The Attorney General has quashed hopes by pro-life groups that amendments to IVF laws before parliament can be blocked on constitutional grounds.

In an opinion made public through a statement by the Health Ministry, the Attorney General informed the government that he saw "no legal basis" to argue that the amendments, which would introduce embryo freezing into Malta, were unconstitutional.

By introducing the law, Health Minister Chris Fearne would not be breaking the law or violating the terms of his appointment, he added.  

The Attorney General noted that citizens could contest laws’ constitutionality by filing a case before the constitutional court.

Mr Fearne had sought the Attorney General’s advice after he received a letter from President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca on Sunday, passing on concerns aired by pro-life groups in a meeting they held with President Coleiro Preca on Sunday morning.

The Life Network Foundation, Gift of Life Foundation and Malta Unborn Child Movement says they have “grave concerns” about the amendments before parliament and sought the President’s intervention, in a last-ditch attempt to block the changes.

President Coleiro Preca told the groups that she was obliged to assent to all laws passed by parliament, but that she would refer their concerns to the Health Minister.

In its statement on Monday, the Health Ministry said that the IVF amendments had already been altered and consulted upon between its second reading and committee stage in parliament, and that as a rule the government consulted with the Attorney General to ensure bills did not violate the constitution before they were presented in pariliament.

“Therefore, the government will with conviction move a vote on this law which has been so discussed, so that more people will be able to become parents,” the ministry said.