Embryo freezing is currently outlawed except in grave situations where something happens to the woman before implantation occurs. Photo: Shutterstock

Another referendum could be on the cards, this time against proposed changes to the Embryo Protection Act.

A group of pro-life organisations yesterday urged parliamentarians to be “diligent” against “weakening” the law that regulates in vitro fertilisation. They argued any proposal to allow embryo freezing could “open the door to abortion”.

The gathering included former prime minister Lawrence Gonzi, controversial Evangelist Gordon Manché, a representative of the Curia and the political group Alleanza Bidla.

Nationalist MP Antoine Borg was also present, and outspoken government MP Marlene Farrugia informed the organisers she could not attend but was with them “in spirit and purpose”. The National Council of Women also attended.

Dr Gonzi told the Times of Malta he was very concerned with the government’s drive to change the law. He said the national debate on the issue so far seemed to be pointing towards the “destruction of life” through the destruction of frozen embryos.

Each of these has a very sinister, dark side on the dignity and human rights of the unborn child

“I am extremely concerned as this seems to be where we are heading,” he said, adding that embryo freezing could be the equivalent to abortion if embryos were destroyed in the process.

“Allowing a magistrate or any other authority to destroy an embryo is just another form of abortion, just presented differently,” he said. He called on the government to clarify why the Embryo Protection Act was being amended.

Miriam Sciberras, the chairwoman of the Malta Life Network, yesterday said she would not exclude calling for a referendum if embryo freezing, surrogacy and sperm and egg donation were among the amendments made.

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

Parliament is due to discuss changes to the Embryo Protection Act but few details are available on what would be amended and how this would work.

Dr Sciberras was speaking during a press conference on the launch of a petition to the Speaker of the House entitled ‘Malta Stand Up for Life’.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has gone on the ecord saying he agreed with embryo freezing and sperm and egg donation.

The IVF law prohibits gay couples from the procedure, putting it in direct conflict with the Civil Unions Act that gives same-sex couples the same rights as married ones. It also outlaws sperm and egg donation, a necessity for gay couples or sterile heterosexuals.

Embryo freezing is outlawed but allowed in very exceptional circumstances. Dr Sciberras said surrogacy led to children being 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 anymore? Is that what we want?” she asked to applause from the audience.

Dr Sciberras said the petition was the people’s appeal for life to be protected and for “the can of worms” these measures would bring not to be opened.

A spokesman for the Office of the Prime Minister said the government parliamentary group was discussing the matter internally and he could not comment.