A group of pro-life organisations said today they would seek a referendum if Parliament moved to "weaken the Embryo Protection Act" by allowing embryo freezing.

Speaking at the launch of a petition calling for embryos to be protected in the Constitution, Miriam Sciberras, chairwoman of the Malta Life Network, said such changes posed a "threat to life".

Dr Sciberras said the introduction of embryo freezing, surrogacy and sperm and egg donation, would open the door to abortion.

"We are hearing about these practices as innovative and superlative measures. Yet, each of these practices has a very sinister dark side on the dignity and human rights of the unborn child," she said.

Surrogacy, Dr Sciberras said, created children to be intentionally separated from their birth mother without knowing the complementary relationship of mothers and fathers.

"Are we saying that mothers and fathers don't matter?" she asked to applause.

Those present for the conference were several pro-life and political and social organisations, evangelist pastor Gordon Manche and former prime minister Lawrence Gonzi. A representative from the Curia was also present.

Dr Sciberras said the petition would be passed on to the Speaker of the House to appeal for life to be protected and not "open the can of worms" these measures would bring.

Dr Gonzi told Times of Malta that the debate so far seemed to be pointing towards the destruction of life through embryo freezing.

"I am extremely concerned as this seems to be where to be heading."

The destruction of a frozen embryo, he said, was equivalent to abortion.

He called on the government to clarify why the Embryo Protection Act was being amended.

FOUNDATION: MPS SHOULD ASSUME THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES

Meanwhile, the Gift of Life Foundation in a statement said the decision on this important issue should not be shifted onto the citizens of Malta, by way of a consultative referendum.

"It is incumbent upon the members of parliament to assume their responsibility as elected representatives, and handle this matter in parliament, without turning to the Maltese to take this decision on their behalf," the foundation said.

It said it would only accept to have a referendum as a last resort if parliament decides to change the Embryo Protection Act in a manner that adversely affects the protection and dignity of human life from conception.

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