‘Stable relationships’ required for IVF

The report is to recommend the freezing of embryos under strict protocols but is suggesting that in-vitro fertilization be available to women in stable relationships.

The Times revealed, the couple’s relationship will not be gauged on martial status but on medical records. Women undergoing fertility treatment would have had to undergo a series of tests, which would take a certain period of time, thus revealing the stability of the relationship, Dr Jean Pierre Farrugia, chairman of the select committee to present the report to parliament said.

Dr Farrugia compared the situation to that of Employment and Training Corporation that uses bank accounts to determine the relationship status of couples.

Dr Farrugia would not delve further into how assessment would be made saying he would rather wait until after the report is presented to parliament.

The committee, made up of three doctors, including Dr Farrugia, Nationalist MP Frans Agius and Labour MP Michael Farrugia, referred to Italian legislation for guidance.

Eligibility of in-vitro fertilization of unmarried women could prove to be an issue among critics. Medical bioethicist Profs Pierre Mallia argued in favour of assisted procreation for married couples and couples in a stable relationship awaiting rulings on annulments.

Profs Mallia insisted that the rights of the child to be born into a family ambiance should be taken into consideration as well as the family’s rights to bear children.

The report is also to argue in favour of donation of embryos for adoption. Profs Mallia is in favour of adoption of embryos as it means that the embryo will not be terminated.

The committee was set up last February to draw up a report on three specific issues left pending by the Puli Report of 2005 - the eligibility of couples for treatment, the freezing of embryos and sperm and egg donation.