• 100 academics from the University of Malta have concluded that the proposed amendments to the Embryo Protection Act gravely weaken the protection of the human embryo at its most vulnerable stage. The academics from 14 different faculties of the University of Malta have expressed their concerns in an academic paper (copy attached in English) which is being published today, Saturday 5th May 2018.

    These academics strongly support the IVF service currently being given to assist infertile couples. This is an essential service which should be upgraded as much as possible so that infertile couples are given the best possible treatment and help. The current law and practice gives these infertile couples the comfort that the dignity of their embryo is respected and that he/she is given full protection. On the contrary, the amendments proposed by government will downgrade the embryo of the infertile couple to a little more than a commodity.

    The group of 100 academics explain how the protection of the human embryo would be weakened through: 1) embryo freezing 2) the disposal of surplus embryos that are not adopted 3) anonymous donation of gametes and 4) surrogacy.

    The academics include among others: doctors, healthcare professionals, pathologists, gynaecologists and obstetricians, lawyers, social workers, psychologists, counsellors, philosophers, theologians, scientists, public policy and social policy professionals.

    Click here to read the position paper presented by the 100 academics.