The President has welcomed the government’s commitment to further discussion on the amendments to the IVF law, but it is not clear whether this will translate into a longer period of reflection before the third reading in Parliament.
The divisive IVF Bill has prompted President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca to express concern over the “hostility” stemming from the debate.
She appealed for a “calm and longer period of reflection” and offered to mediate.
Ensure an adequate period of time for the law to be studied and amended
Following a meeting between the President and the Deputy Prime Minister, the government reiterated its commitment to amending the IVF law “without undue delay”. It pointed out in a statement on Thursday that during the previous and current legislatures, Parliament’s Health Committee had held long and detailed discussions on IVF.
When contacted for a reaction, a spokeswoman for the President referred to the government’s statement that there would be the space and opportunity, before the third reading of the Bill, for more discussions between all interested parties.
The President welcomed the government’s commitment to “further consultation and discussion at a very appropriate period within the parliamentary procedure”. “This is a period when the actual substance of the legislation is discussed and amended during the meetings of Adjunct Consideration of Bills Committee.”
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The President was pleased the government had taken the recommendation for further consultation. She would always be available to mediate if necessary, the spokeswoman said.
Asked to clarify how the government had taken the President’s recommendation on board and whether it had committed to a longer debate ahead of the third reading, the spokeswoman asked Times of Malta to address the question directly to the government.
Times of Malta was redirected, however, to Thursday’s statement by a spokeswoman for the Deputy Prime Minister.
The President’s appeal was yesterday followed by a call from the Church’s Justice and Peace Commission for a responsible dialogue that veered away from polarised positions but was “focused on the common good of all, without demonising those holding opposing views”.
The commission expressed concern about the manner in which the proposed amendments were being rushed through Parliament, “completely eliminating any form of structured public consultation and debate, and resulting in widespread confusion as to what the draft Bill is actually proposing”.
It was the duty of the political class to ensure that all stakeholders and the public were given a balanced platform to voice their opinions and concerns, and that “an adequate period of time is given for the proposed legislation to be studied and amended as necessary for the common good”.
The Catholic Institute also expressed concern at the insulting tone of the debate.