Mums against embryo freezing told to amend radio spots

A group of mothers behind the Facebook page ‘Save The Embryo Protection Act Malta’ had their radio spots blocked by the Broadcasting Authority and requested to amend their scripts.

The five mothers – Suzanne Vella, Christine Rossi, Mariella Catania, Martha Fitz, and Marisa Gatt – said they set up the Facebook page to help Maltese people “become more aware that the government was in consultation to change the Embryo Protection Act”.

The mothers have taken an active role when it comes to consultation with the public on matters that have to do with the social sector, education and youths. They had opposed plans by the Justice Ministry to decriminalise drugs, particularly with the change in discourse in the way drug abuse was being treated.

In three different spots, the group said that the law would “freeze unborn children”, that children would “never know” who their father is through sperm donation and that the current legislation protects the unborn child.

The Broadcasting Authority has halted the spots, calling on the group to amend the spots and remove the use of the girl’s voice.

"We are obeying these directives and understand that there might be points to arrange, however we wish to put forward the following clarifications,” the mothers said.

It seems that in one of the, the Broadcasting Authority found a problem with “unborn children”.

“This phrase was chosen as some do not understand the meaning of the word embryo. PBS had asked us to use the word embryo. We acted according to their wish and gave them another spot,” they said.

“Regarding the involvement of minor, great attention was given to this matter so much so that the child only said the name of the page with the aim of having a more informed public. The child never commented on the subject or expressed opinion. She remained anonymus at all times. She never appeared anywhere. She also had the consent of her parents.”

They said, it was positive that concern was raised on the voice of the minor.

“It shows how much as a society we protect children. May we have the same concern when we hear that some in our country are considering a law where minors will be intentionally deprived from the presence and love of their natural father and where the lives of the young can be frozen for a time instead of enjoying the warmth and security of their mother’s womb, or lose their life because of the same process etc.”

The group added it was still awaiting an explanation as to why the spot of “intentional unknown father” was stopped.

“We’ll keep holding on to our convictions and thank all the media entities who are giving us space to say that children deserve the very best possible and that human life, whatever its appearance or size, is worthy of care and protection.”