MP Cressida Galea addresses discrimination in Malta’s IVF laws

Jun 13 2023

Labour Party Member of Parliament Cressida Galea recently highlighted an issue regarding the discriminatory nature of Malta’s IVF laws during a parliamentary speech. The current legislation, outlined in article 9.5 of the EPA, restricts sperm donation to only one woman in Malta and Gozo. While this law was initially intended to prevent the risk of incest, it inadvertently creates inequality for same-sex couples seeking to undergo the Reciprocal IVF procedure, commonly known as ROPA.

Cressida Galea explained that ROPA involves the participation of two women in a same-sex relationship who wish to expand their family. The procedure starts similarly to IVF, but it allows for the possibility of implanting the embryos in the gestational mother, who may not be the biological mother. This enables both parents to have a biological connection with their child.

In her speech, the PL MP said that while advancements in technology have allowed same-sex couples to explore the option of ROPA, current IVF laws in Malta create restrictions that undermine the beauty and inclusivity of this procedure. The anomaly arises when the gestational mother and the biological mother are not the same person. Article 9.5 of the EPA explicitly states that a sperm donation can only be associated with one woman in Malta and Gozo. Consequently, in ROPA procedures where the second child is carried by a different mother, the same sperm donor cannot be used. This denies same-sex couples the right for their children to be at least half-siblings from the sperm donor’s side, creating an unnecessary barrier for them to build their desired family dynamic.

“The discrimination faced by same-sex couples seeking the ROPA procedure is evident when compared to heterosexual couples who can access IVF services. Heterosexual couples can use the same donor for subsequent children, fostering a sense of continuity and genetic connection within the family. Same-sex couples, however, are unjustly denied this option due to the current legal restrictions. It is important to acknowledge that these couples are making choices in the best interest of their children, and the current law inhibits their ability to do so. They should have the same rights and opportunities as their heterosexual counterparts to build stable and loving families.”, Galea explained.

The case presented by Labour Party Member of Parliament Cressida Galea highlights the inequality faced by same-sex couples in Malta’s IVF laws. Her parliamentary speech highlight how restricting the use of the same sperm donor in ROPA procedures, the law discriminates against these couples, preventing their children from being at least half-siblings from the donor’s side.

Cressida Galea has called on the relevant Minister in-charge to address this issue promptly and rectify the discriminatory aspects of the law. The Labour MP said that “Equal treatment for all couples, regardless of sexual orientation, in their pursuit of starting a family is a crucial step towards fostering inclusivity, love, and stability within Maltese society.”

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Ġnien iż-Żgħażagħ: from a derelict area into a new open space for the Gudja community

Jun 13 2023

Gudja residents will start enjoying a new garden within their community following works carried out by Project Green at Ġnien iż-Żgħażagħ.

The garden was given a new lease on life thanks to the regeneration works carried out on it by utilising sustainable materials. It further ensures accessibility for all visitors.

Accompanied by Project Green CEO Steve Ellul, together with Mayor Marija Sara Vella Gafà and members of the Gudja Local Council, Minister for the Environment, Energy, and Enterprise Miriam Dalli commended the work carried out, turning the 1,100 square metre open space into an enjoyable garden.

The upgrading of the area included the installation of accessible picnic benches, made from sustainable materials. The area has also been secured with high wooden fencing. The pathway was designed using a geogrid to stabilise the soil and provide an accessible pathway while retaining the natural elements of the ground.

Minister Miriam Dalli thanked all Project Green workers for their dedication as well as their commitment to ensuring that all projects completed are sustainable.

“Ġnien iż-Żgħażagħ is another project in line with the government’s commitment to regenerate and create open spaces, close to residents’ homes. Open spaces help improve the quality of life of our residents while providing the younger generations with a safe space to play or study”, Minister Miriam Dalli added.

Minister Dalli continued by encouraging the public to make responsible use of these open spaces and to keep the area clean.

Project Green CEO Steve Ellul remarked how 3,000 Gudja residents will benefit from an open space within a ten-minute walk of their homes. Through this regeneration project, more trees were added to provide better air quality, considering there is a main road that thousands of cars pass through on a daily basis. Ellul highlighted that these holistic projects take into account the needs of the people and the surrounding area.

Ġnien iż-Żgħażagħ is among various other projects already concluded this year, such as the picnic area at San Klement in Ħaż-Żabbar, the regeneration of Ta’ Qali Dog Park, the first Green Open Campus at Milbrae Grove in Mosta, and the completion of the first phase of Ġnien San Filippu in Floriana, amongst others.

This year, more than 40,000m² of green open spaces have been opened to the public.

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Over 4000 people trained in Maltese and English through “I Belong”

Over 4000 people trained as part of the Learning-Exchanging-Integrating project

Jun 13 2023

During the closing conference of the Learning-Exchanging-Integrating project, themed “Looking back. Looking forward,” the results achieved through this project, co-funded by the European Union under the Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund (AMIF), were presented.

During this conference, it was announced that through the “I Belong” program, which is part of the Learning-Exchanging-Integrating project, over 4000 individuals were trained in the Maltese and English languages, as well as local culture. This program was an integral part of the implementation of the First National Integration Strategy and Action Plan. The program, which began in March 2018, was conducted in collaboration with MCAST, the University of Malta, and the Department of Lifelong Learning.

The conference was attended by the Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality, Rebecca Buttigieg, who emphasized the importance of outreach not only to foreigners but also to the rest of the population, so that everyone feels included and valued.

Parliamentary Secretary Buttigieg highlighted the role that individuals should play in understanding better the significant diversity and intersectional identities within communities. Therefore, services provided should meet these diverse needs, as there is no one-size-fits-all approach. She also emphasized the importance of education in strengthening integration in the country.

“As a government, we strongly believe that education is essential for strengthening integration. As time passes, we are realizing how the world is becoming one global village. Therefore, to continue improving our work in favor of integration, I encourage everyone to contribute their ideas and proposals in the Public Consultation for the Second National Integration Strategy and Action Plan, which is currently open until the end of June. Our ultimate goal is to have a more equal and prosperous society,” said Buttigieg.

During the conference, Mr. Alexander Tortell from the Directorate for Human Rights also spoke, explaining that numerous information sessions on various topics of interest to the Directorate’s clients were organized throughout this project. These topics included documentation, access to education, sexual and reproductive health, and many others. He also mentioned that the Directorate for Human Rights, in collaboration with the University of Malta, developed and offered the first Diploma in Education for Cultural Mediation, which provides professional training for cultural mediators, who are crucial in intercultural contexts like our country.

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Alesso: From Champions League Final to Isle of MTV Malta

Jun 13 2023

Worldwide renowned DJ Alesso will soon be making his way to our Mediterranean island for Isle of MTV Malta 2023, shortly after having played at the Final Kick Off show for the UEFA Champions League.

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Alesso has just been announced as one of the big acts set to be taking to the Fosos stage on the 18th of July, alongside One Republic, Tom Grennan and Mimi Webb.

Posting to social media, the renowned Swedish DJ and producer shared a snippet of his set at the match which saw Manchester City beating Inter Milan. ‘What an unreal experience’, he wrote. ‘So thankful to be a part of Football’s biggest night’.

If his performance, alongside Anitta and Burna Boy, is anything to go by, then Alesso will be a massive addition to the Isle of MTV Malta roster.

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Will you be attending of Isle of MTV Malta 2023?

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