IVF amendments tabled in parliament reveals Health Minister

May 10 2022

Health Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne has just tabled the first reading of new amendments to IVF legislation in parliament’s first session on Monday.

The bill aims to propose changes to several laws concerning IVF, with the intention of making the treatment easier and more accessible to couples who struggle.

Parliament has not yet started debating the amendments but the government is expected to press ahead with pushing for IVF reform as a matter of priority. The amendments will bee discussed at committee stage this week before being presented to all MPs for a third reading and vote.

This comes after Prime Minister Robert Abela pledged to reform IVF laws within the first 100 days of this legislature. The treatment has been available as part of the national health service since November 2013.

Illum, propju fl-ewwel seduta ta’ xogħol tal-#Parlament, ressaqt l-ewwel qari tal-abbozz ta’ liġi biex inwessgħu l-liġi tal-#IVF: biex b’hekk ma nċaħħdu lil ħadd mill-opportunità li jibni familja. pic.twitter.com/cKmzCNk0N4

— Chris Fearne (@chrisfearne) May 9, 2022

The amendments would extend the service to couples who suffered miscarriages, couples who ended cycles of IVF which were unsuccessful and couples who have medical complication history.

The government would also like to amend laws to allow parents who have already had a child through IVF to apply for a second treatment round to have another child. With cycles costing between €15,000 and €20,000 each, the government is proposing to make medicines related to IVF treatment free. This follows a suggestion made by the Opposition in 2017.

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Roberta Metsola commemorates Malta’s joining of the EU

May 9 2022

Speaking during the Conference on the Future of Europe, Roberta Metsola recounted how she felt the day Malta joined the EU. She said that countries like Ukraine are now looking with hope in the same way as they fight for their freedom.

Metsola said that the East is part of Europe’s future, and that the bloc cannot remain dependent upon tyrants – a nod to Russian president Vladimir Putin. She said that we need a convention as the next step as there is a gap between what people expect and what Europe is able to deliver at the moment.

Metsola also said that Europe needs to be prepared and learn from the COVID-19 pandemic. She said that when the next virus hits, it cannot shut down the economy and all other sectors. Metsola emphasised issues of defence and climate change, saying that only by working together can Europe overcome such challenges.

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Finally, she said that we cannot give in to populism, cynicism about the project of the EU and to nationalism as they are ‘false hope sold by those with no answers.’

“We are once again at a defining moment of European integration and no suggestion for change should be off-limits. Whatever process is required in order for us to get there should be embraced.”

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Youth at risk of dying after Nadur motorcycle accident

May 9 2022

A Gozitan teen is currently fighting for his life after suffering a grievous incident with a motorcycle at a Nadur racetrack.

Police were called onto the site to assist the 14-year-old male at around 4pm in Triq ir-Rabat, Nadur, Gozo. The incident occurred when the young driver fell off whilst riding his vehicle.

He was promptly rushed to Gozo General Hospital by ambulance and was found to have suffered grievous injuries. Magistrate Bridgette Sultana opened an inquiry into the accident.

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Peace and unity threatened by war in Ukraine says Robert Abela

May 9 2022

In celebration of Europe Day, Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela took to social media to state that peace and unity are being threatened by what is happening in Ukraine.

Abela said that today is an opportunity to remember what our predecessors dreamt about, that being peace and unity. Abela said that their dream is being threatened by what’s happening in Ukraine.

‘We must stay united to restore peace in Ukraine. Our strength lies in joint action and solidarity’ said the Prime Minister. This comes as the European Parliament pushes to introduce new sanctions on Russia following Putin’s ‘special operation’ in neighbouring Ukraine.

#EuropeDay is an opportunity to remember what our predecessors dreamt about – peace & unity. Their dream is today threatened by what’s happening in Ukraine. We must stay united to restore peace in Ukraine. Our strength lies in joint action and solidarity. – RA

— Robert Abela (@RobertAbela_MT) May 9, 2022

Last week, Infrastructure Minister Aaron Farrugia said that Malta will be seeking a balance when it comes to abiding to sanction responsibilities as well as ensuring that Malta’s oil and energy supplies are not damaged. This is due to EU Commissioner Ursula Von der Leyen revealing that the bloc will seek to become completely independent from Russian oil supplies.

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