Prime Minister non-committal on proposed constitutional amendment

The Prime Minister remained non-committal on Gift of Life's proposal to amend the Constitution to protect the right to life from the moment of conception, during a meeting with the organisation yesterday.

Lawrence Gonzi summarised the different arguments being made the organisation's proposal at a meeting in Castille, where techno music from carnival celebrations below blared in the background.

He stopped short of saying whether he agreed with the constitutional amendment, insisting he did not know what the position of the MPs was. The amendment proposed by Gift of Life would require a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

Dr Gonzi said the criminal code was clear enough in making abortion illegal and that the Constitution already protected the right to life.

He added that there was a debate in the country on the proposal and the path on the subject was still open.

However, the Prime Minister said the issue of when life started had to be addressed during the debate on legislation to regulate in vitro fertilisation, which will be presented during this legislature.

The press was invited for the initial part of the meeting, which continued behind closed doors.

ksansone@timesofmalta.com