Prime Minister Robert Abela said the Government will continue strengthening Malta’s IVF services, insisting that “certain excessive moralism should not deprive couples of the opportunity to become parents through advances in medical technology.” Speaking during an interview on ONE, Abela reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to expanding access to fertility treatment and supporting families through further healthcare reforms.
The Prime Minister highlighted that more than 1,000 babies have been born through Malta’s IVF service. He announced that the Government will extend the range of pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) by adding 17 more genetic conditions to those already covered. According to Abela, this will allow more couples to receive the full course of treatment in Malta without the need to travel abroad.
Abela argued that “certain excessive moralism should not deprive couples of the opportunity to become parents through advances in medical technology.” He said the Government would continue giving priority to families and ensuring that advances in medical science remain accessible to those seeking to have children.
The expansion of IVF and pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) has, however, been strongly opposed by pro-life organisations and many within the Catholic community. They argue that IVF often results in the creation of multiple embryos, some of which are frozen indefinitely or may never be implanted. They also oppose PGT because embryos found to carry certain genetic conditions are typically not selected for implantation, meaning they may never be given the opportunity to develop. They consider this a serious ethical issue, maintaining that every human embryo is a human life from the moment of conception and deserves the same protection and dignity regardless of its genetic condition.
Beyond IVF, the Prime Minister discussed several other priorities during the interview. He expressed solidarity with the two police officers injured while carrying out their duties, saying justice must be served and highlighting recent investments in police equipment, body cameras, improved salaries and stronger legal protections for officers.
On the recent power cuts, Abela said families and businesses should not bear responsibility for the disruption. He noted that the Government has already invested €161 million in strengthening Malta’s electricity grid and said infrastructure works would be accelerated, while a second interconnector will further reinforce the country’s energy supply. He also confirmed that energy and fuel subsidies will remain in place to shield families and businesses from international price increases.
The Prime Minister also defended the proposed planning appeals reform, saying it would create a fairer and more efficient system by ensuring development cannot begin before appeal procedures are concluded and by introducing clear time limits for decisions. He highlighted reforms concerning disability rights, including legislation on personal autonomy, protection for vulnerable adults and constitutional amendments prohibiting discrimination based on disability. He also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the Equality Bill, arguing that it would strengthen protection against discrimination through a new Equality Commission and Commissioner.
Abela concluded by saying that the Government’s first 100 days in office had been marked by the implementation of electoral commitments and pledged continued investment in security, infrastructure, essential services and the rights of the Maltese and Gozitan people.
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