Some never learn, or simply do not want to learn. The role of politicians in a democratic society is to promote what’s best for the people. Thank you PN for repeatedly promoting ultra-conservatives who are unable to conceptualise this simple idea.
The Nationalist Party has struck again, and it struck where it hurts most. It struck on infertility, which is a very delicate and personal matter. Let me put the record straight. I have been there and have done that, so I know the stress, pain and suffering that all the families going through the IVF route experience.
The infertility issue should be guided by science. And irrespective of what others think, those going through the journey of infertility are not doing so for mere pleasure. Unfortunately, it seems that the PN never loses an opportunity to show that it has not grasped this basic notion.
The new way promised by Adrian Delia has already failed the test. By filing a motion in Parliament against new regulations that allow people travelling abroad for IVF treatment to take medical leave, the Nationalist Party is showing us once again how detached from modern reality it has become.
It is simple: the PN wants to turn the clock back. It wants to take away the rights granted by the Labour government last May – 100 hours of leave to those travelling abroad for IVF treatment, irrespective of what IVF treatment.
Once again, the PN is showing that it wants to intrude into the personal lives of people… It wants to hit back and differentiate and do a disservice to all those seeking IVF treatment abroad.
This is why I question their intentions. What are they after? Are they really proposing to ask the person seeking treatment abroad to divulge to the State or employer the type of IVF treatment needed?
Are they really proposing to ask the person seeking treatment abroad to divulge to the State or employer the type of IVF treatment needed?
This is not merely a question of concern for the affected people seeking IVF treatment and their immediate families. It is a question of fundamental importance affecting us all because it impinges on human dignity and the fundamental right to be treated with respect in a non-discriminatory way.
In taking his first steps as PN leader, Delia has revealed his true self and has once again brought to light the ultra-conservative views in which the PN is still deeply rooted. The PN has once more shown that it has not learnt the lesson and is persisting in its ways.
Malta deserves better. Malta deserves politicians that are forward looking. Politicians who do not run away from the challenges faced by modern society, hiding behind dogma.
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat was spot on when he immediately tweeted: “So now Opposition is contesting law giving more rights to lesbian couples and infertile women. The new way looks worse than the old one.”
What a contrast! On one side Delia and his ultra-conservative PN, and on the other a forward-looking Prime Minister who fought and won an election with a pledge to modernise IVF legislation.
Definitely well said, Prime Minister, but let’s do this and do it fast and let us take IVF legislation to the next level, where we can be a beacon of hope to so many people.
In fact, as an active organisation within the Labour Party, NL – Nisa Laburisti – has urged the government to move on and amend the current IVF legislation to reflect the realities of today’s society. At the same time, NL has appealed to the PN to keep a step back from politicising the infertility issue.
In 2015, Nisa Laburisti submitted its position to the interministerial committee that had requested proposals from the public on IVF within the context of a changing society.
NL put 10 recommendations forward to the committee, among which were the inclusion of embryo vitrification (or, as is more commonly known, embryo freezing) and egg and sperm donation for all those who need that particular treatment.
It is bewildering that the PN has now submitted a parliamentary motion asking for a review of a legal notice granting vacation leave to infertile people seeking IVF treatment abroad.
For us Nisa Laburisti, this is a matter of principle, a question of dignity and respect. Indeed, a human rights issue. What a shame that in 2017, the PN has still not grasped this!
Claudette Abela Baldacchino is president of Nisa Laburisti.