Prime Minister Robert Abela, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health Ian Borg and Minister for Equality and Civil Rights Rosianne Cutajar, visited the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Clinic and IVF Laboratory at Mater Dei Hospital. During this visit, the Prime Minister saw first-hand the work being done to enable more individuals and families to have the opportunity to become parents.
He also met with doctors, nurses, midwives and embryology specialists. He was given an explanation of the different stages of the IVF process, from embryo storage to laboratory procedures. The visit ended with a meeting with medical and administrative representatives.
The visit comes as another election manifesto promise is being fulfilled. The list of genetic conditions eligible for Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders, better known as PGT-M, is being expanded to include seventeen conditions. This procedure can be used by prospective parents to avoid passing on inherited health conditions to their children.
The Prime Minister said that after the Government introduced amendments to the IVF law in the first hundred days of the previous legislature, including the introduction of PGT-M, it is now, in line with its electoral commitment, continuing to expand the list of genetic conditions for which this test can be carried out voluntarily. This step will not only give more couples the opportunity to become parents, but will also give parents peace of mind about the health and quality of life of their children. Dr Abela added that these legislative changes will reduce bureaucracy in the processes while confirming the commitment of this administration to continue strengthening an increasingly inclusive, modern and based on the latest advances in science and medicine service.
He also made reference to what was announced a few days ago where our country recorded results much higher than the European average, both in traditional IVF treatments and in those using donor sperm and donor oocytes. He pointed out that these positive results clearly show that the reforms and continuous investment made during these last years are leading to very positive results. During the last year, that is to say in just one year, a record 254 babies were born through IVF, while since IVF services began to be provided in Malta, more than 1,000 babies have been born.
Prime Minister Robert Abela stated that the Government will continue to invest in reproductive medicine so that more families are given hope, support and appropriate opportunities to become parents. He thanked all professionals for their dedication as well as for the specialized care they provide to patients on a daily basis.
Photo: OPM
