I was in no way shocked to learn that a number of priests ignored the bishops’ pastoral letter on in-vitro fertilisation. On the contrary, I was more shocked by the letter itself, which does a disservice to childless couples who often seek advice from priests before going for IVF. Many tell them to go ahead and only when there is a third party involved do they raise objections.

Those who have to use a third party only do so because they have no alternative, at great financial sacrifice because such treatment is unavailable locally.

These are Maltese citizens too and should be treated like everybody else, no matter what the bishops say. Many said that the new IVF law is similar to that in Germany but in that country sperm and ova donations are allowed, only embryo freezing is very restricted.

Two government ministers speaking at the Council of Women’s offices said that sperm and ova donations are not negotiable. What if the so-called rebel MPs oppose the present Bill and press for a more liberal law?

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