Social solidarity Minister Michael Falzon appealed for a cultural change with regards to adoption in Malta, while promoting open adoption during Tuesday's parliamentary session.

Flazon began his address by saying that there are people in Malta and Gozo who think that not having a biological child is a sin, "but this is definitely not the case and adoption is a viable option too".

He expressed concern over the fact that there are a lot of people who have opted to adopt children from abroad without thinking of adopting locally.

He then turned the topic on the adopted children's right for information on who their biological parents are, saying that this should be normalised. In fact, the Ministry is proposing a system that involves strict documentation using blockchain technology for both local and foreign adoptions, to ensure that the children's biological data remains untouched.

"We also have to push forward open adoption where a couple adopts children but then has an open relationship with the biological parents at the same time. I understand it might not be ideal for some but there are success stories in our country, and we should promote this," Falzon added.

He concluded by appealing for a culture change in this regards by looking at adoption as something that can be beneficial for the country and something which can really exemplify our solidarity. "It's not enough to show solidarity through social benefits even though it is good in itself. We have to give these children the resources they need to grow into a better society together.'