Gonzi hopes IVF bill is discussed and approved by October

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi described the IVF draft bill as one of the most important bills discussed and tabled in this legislature.

Gonzi who was speaking on the PN's radio station this morning said the bill gathers the Nationalist Party's beliefs and is the result of long years of consultation and discussion within the party and also in parliament and with civil society."

He said the draft bill in aimed at regulating the former jungle which was created by a lack of regulation.

"It offers new hope for childless couples by offering the best possible technology at Mater Dei hospital," Gonzi said.

The PN leader stressed "Life starts at conception and this draft law respects life from the very beginning."

Gonzi explained that the bill is titled 'The protection of the embryo' to make it clear from the offset that "we want to protect life from the moment of conception" even if it is artificial.

The Prime Minister added that the bill will be one of the first laws to be discussed and voted upon as soon as Parliament reconvenes in October. He added that the service will be available as from next year and said that almost all the necessary equipment is in place.

"The hospital will offer the most modern method of fertilisation which has a high success rate."

He added that the legislation avoids the freezing of embryos and only allows it extreme cases.

Gonzi said the health department will be working together with the private sector, which has the experience in the sector in order to offer the best service possible.