Incorrect to confuse IVF testing with abortion - Grech on embryo testing vote

The IVF law as amended provides the right balance for couples finding it difficult to start a family and the protection of life, Opposition leader Bernard Grech said on Sunday.

Speaking on Net TV via telephone, Grech said the PN only voted in favour of the bill after its amendments were taken on board.

The new law, which will allow genetic testing prior to implantation to enable doctors to look out for certain conditions such as Huntington’s Disease, was approved on Wednesday. Three PN MPs voted against.

“We voted for couples and families, as well as to protect life; we made sure to strike a balance, so it is incorrect for people to doubt that the amendments are against those with disabilities. It is also incorrect to say the amendments have anything to do with abortion,” he said. 

The Opposition amendments, he said, was for polar body testing, which happens on oocytes that have not been fertilised. 

“Let us not forget that it was the PN that introduced the IVF law back in 2012, and apart from speaking to families and couples who were facing difficulties in starting a family, we also spoke to numerous experts and discussed how we can amend the law while continuing to protect...