Greens call for ‘inclusive and realistic’ IVF law

Alternattiva Demokratika, the Green Party, said that IVF legislation currently being debated in the Maltese parliament should be inclusive and realistic, and criticised shortcomings of the egg freezing science being promoted in the law.

AD chairperson Michael Briguglio said it was unfortunate that both Nationalist and Labour Parties were "agreeing to deny the right to IVF to persons who are single or in relationships not approved by the draft legislation, such as same-sex relationships.

"This only confirms that AD's presence in parliament is essential for progressive proposals."

Angele Deguara, AD spokesperson for Social Policy and Civil Rights, said: "We consider the IVF law which is being debated in parliament as lacking on a number of fronts. While it is important for IVF treatment to be finally regulated, we believe that free IVF treatment offered by the public health service should facilitate matters rather than make it difficult for those having to deal with infertility problems."

AD said the ban on embryo freezing would also make the treatment more expensive while the IVF being proposed was based on a new technology which tends to have a lower success rate than embryo freezing.

"AD believes that the number of fertilised cells implanted in a woman's womb should not exceed two in order to minimise the risks involved both for mothers and babies. This makes the freezing of embryos all the more essential," Deguara said.

"We also believe that the law as it is being proposed not only discriminates against those who are not in a heterosexual relationship but also against those whose treatment requires the donation of sperm and ova since this will be illegal.

"We believe that free IVF treatment should be available to all those who need it and applicants should also be offered the services of a professional counsellor who will guide them and help them through the ordeal."