The need to regulate the practice of assisted reproduction services through a relevant legal framework has long been felt in our country. Over the last few years, this need has been rising due to the backdrop of an increasing demand from the public for such services, and a growing provision of the service in the country by the private sector.

The public sector stood in the awkward suspended position of refraining from providing these services until the establishment of a regulatory legal framework within which the Department of Health can operate.

This legal framework is now in place. Needless to say, the process presented various challenges. Significant time was taken to develop the resulting law – the Embryo Protection Act – which had its final reading in Parliament a few days ago. We do empathise with prospective parents who have had to wait for the availability of such services in the public sector. We understand their pain and appreciate their patience and acceptance.

A lot of time has been taken up in negotiating, educating, debating and persuading different parties to toe the same line towards one comprehensive law. One may argue that too much time was likewise taken up. Such an argument does not, however, dampen the great pride we are experiencing in noting that we have got there.

We have in place a law that seeks to secure the dignity and rights of a human life from the very moment of conception, whilst (a) upholding the rights and obligations of all health care professionals involved the provision of such a service and (b) addressing the right of prospective parents to have their needs met in an optimal way. This was a tall order. Indeed, we take pride in having achieved this order.

The outcome of the referred law now stands to be measured, by time, in its implementation and use. We trust it will deliver that which it seeks to provide. We are confident of the support and cooperation of all parties towards the implementation of this law from whom I must say we found significant assistance in the course of developing the law.  

Extensive debates were held on various issues such as embryo freezing and surrogacy, which can be considered as the major ones. NGOs, associations, political parties and parliamentarians all had their say. We managed to reach an agreement, even in the presence of conflicting positions, and we moved on towards establishing a law. This is no small achievement and we share the success with all those involved. We look forward to sharing the predicted favourable outcome of this law.

We have addressed many challenges. The law is in place. Now we look ahead.

Dr Cassar is Health Minister