IVF genetic screening expanded to cover more inherited conditions
Changes to the preimplantation screening programme will allow more couples to test embryos for inherited genetic disorders before pregnancy
Prospective parents undergoing IVF will be able to screen for 17 more inherited genetic condtions before pregnancy following an expansion of the preimplantation genetic testing programme.
During a visit to the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Clinic and IVF Laboratory at Mater Dei Hospital, Prime Minister Robert Abela said the list of genetic conditions eligible for Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders (PGT-M) is being expanded to include 17 additional conditions.
The procedure enables prospective parents to avoid passing inherited genetic disorders on to their children.
As many as 4,757 prospective parents benefited from IVF services between 2013 and late 2025, and 1,109 children were born or are expected to be born through these procedures. Last year, a record 254 babies were born through IVF.
Malta’s first baby conceived using PGT-M was born recently. The "take-home baby" success rate in 2025 was 45%, up from 18% in 2013, and €6.7 million was allocated for IVF services for 2026.
Abela said that after introducing amendments to the IVF law during the first 100 days of the legislature, including the introduction of PGT-M, the government is now expanding the list of genetic conditions for which the voluntary test can be carried out.
He said this step will not only give more couples the opportunity to become parents but will also provide greater peace of mind regarding the health and quality of life of their children.
The prime minister added the legislative changes will reduce bureaucracy while reaffirming the government’s commitment to providing an increasingly inclusive, modern service based on the latest scientific and medical advances.
Recently published data shows that Malta recorded success rates above the European average in both conventional IVF treatments and those involving donor sperm and donor eggs.
Abela said the government will continue to invest in reproductive medicine to give more families hope, support and the opportunity to become parents.