Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Chris Fearne and Parliamentary Secretary for Reform and Equality Rebecca Buttigieg have tabled amendments to the IVF process that will give more opportunities to prospective parents and come into effect through changes in the legislative framework.
Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne explained how with the law tabled, which was published in the Government Gazette, as well as through changes to the protocol of the Embryo Protection Authority and the criteria for entitlement of the Public Health sector, a number of amendments will be introduced, the main ones being:
– More free IVF cycles;
– Extending the age of prospective parents eligible for services;
– IVF service offered for second child as well;
– Change in the definition of an IVF cycle;
– Offered an additional cycle to people who have already used all three cycles to enjoy the new definition;
– Allowances from persons coming from the prospective parent of the marriage;
– Simplified process for gamete donations from abroad;
– Two cryopreserved embryos created abroad after 2018 can be brought to our country during each cycle;
– PGT-M is performed in cases of severe genetic conditions;
– Coordination between the Malta Embryo Protection Authority and the Board administering adoptions for embryo adoption processes.
The Deputy Prime Minister explained that these amendments will be discussed in Parliament in the coming days, when the new protocol for the discussion of the Standing Committee on Health is also published, and that thus the The government is delivering a key promise from the election manifesto in the first 100 days of the new administration.
The Minister of Health recalled how 419 babies have been born so far through IVF since 2013, and that last year one baby was born out of every five assisted procreation processes. He argued that advances in infertility science and technology were allowing more treatment to be offered to people wishing to become parents through assisted procreation and that the Government was ready to make the necessary investment to give birth. more babies through these services.
The Secretary for Reforms and Equality Rebecca Buttigieg emphasized that this is a credible Government and that this reform is a clear example of the commitment to carry out reforms for a fairer society. “The proposed amendments are based on one common principle: the people and the quality of life of these families. Families who want to take home children who fill their homes with joy, “said Parliamentary Secretary Buttigieg.
