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2 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 2 AUGUST 2026 NEWS Terms apply. €4.95 / month Stream, surf, chat. Endless Mobile Plans AI generated content Disability rights group embryo genetic testing EXPANDING the list of in- herited conditions eligible for embryo genetic testing risks sending a message that disabili- ty should be avoided, the feder- ation of disability rights groups said. The comments by the Mal- ta Federation of Organisations for Persons with Disability (MFOPD) follow government's announcement that it will ex- pand the number of inherited diseases covered under pre-im- plantation genetic testing (PGT-M). In-vitro fertilisation law was amended in 2022 to allow PGT-M testing for nine serious inherited genetic con- ditions. Speaking to MaltaToday, MFOPD president Marthese Mugliette said widening the range of conditions screened during IVF procedures could have wider social implications for persons with disabilities. "MFOPD believes that wid- ening the list of conditions for embryo genetic testing may imply that disabilities should be avoided, which could make people with disabilities feel less accepted and valued in society," Mugliette said. Asked whether promoting the acceptance of disabled people means society should avoid preventing certain disabilities where possible, particular- ly conditions involving severe pain, suffering or major limita- tions, Mugliette said the feder- ation distinguishes between the value of a person and the chal- lenges associated with some medical conditions. "MFOPD believes that every person, with or without a disa- bility, has equal dignity and val- ue," she said. Mugliette acknowledged that some disabilities and health conditions may involve signif- icant challenges but insisted "many of the difficulties" ex- perienced by persons with dis- abilities result from barriers in society and gaps in support ser- vices. "The priority is to promote inclusion and ensure that per- sons with disabilities and their families have access to the ser- vices and support they need to live with dignity and participate fully in society," she said. The federation also acknowl- edged that people living with disabilities do not all share the same views on embryo selec- tion. Some disabled individu- als have publicly argued that, given the choice, they would have preferred not to live with the particular genetic condition they have. Responding to that perspec- tive, Mugliette said MFOPD re- spects differing lived experienc- es but maintained that personal choices are often influenced by the level of support available. "Where services, accessibili- ty and community support are lacking, living with a disability can place a significant burden on individuals and their fam- ilies. This is why MFOPD re- mains committed to strength- ening inclusion and support, so that disability is not made more challenging by avoidable barri- ers," she said. Asked how the federation re- sponds to prospective parents who feel they may lack the emotional, financial or practi- cal capacity to raise a child with a serious genetic condition, Mugliette said the solution lies in strengthening support rather than expanding embryo selec- tion. "MFOPD recognises that fam- ilies may face significant emo- tional, financial and practical challenges and these concerns should be addressed by ensur- ing access to quality healthcare, disability support services, fi- nancial assistance and inclusive community services, so that families are supported and no one feels they are facing these challenges alone," Mugliette said. She added that government and parliament should focus on strengthening this support and fulfilling their responsibility to persons with disabilities and their families. IVF consultant in the private sector, Christine Schembri De- guara, recently told MaltaTo- day that the 2022 changes that introduced preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) had already delivered successful outcomes. "PGTM is being done. We've had successful cases here; we've had the first successful births in LAURA CALLEJA lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt Four-year-old girl injured in traffic accident A four-year-old girl, who was a passenger in a car, sustained grievous injuries following a traffic accident in Mellieħa, on Friday night. Police said the incident happened at around 11pm in Triq il-Manikata. A Suzuki Swift, driven by a 28-year-old woman from Santa Venera, crashed into a pole and then collided with two vehicles coming from the opposite car- riageway. The four-year-old was a passenger in the Suzuki. Initial investigations showed that the Suzuki crashed into a bus, driven by a 48-year-old man from St Paul's Bay, and a Mercedes Sprinter van, driven by a 33-year-old man from the same locality. The female driver and her four-year-old passenger were taken to Mater Dei Hospital for treatment. The little girl was later certified as having suffered grievous injuries, while the woman was not in- jured. Police investigations into the incident are ongoing. Man seriously injured after BBQ fuel incident in Mosta A 50-year-old man suffered serious burn injuries on Friday evening after fuel he was using to light a barbecue ignited while he was on the roof of his home in Mosta. Police said they were in- formed of the incident at around 7:30pm at a residence in Triq il-Ħtajriet. Preliminary investigations in- dicate the man was using fuel to light a barbecue when, for rea- sons that are still unclear, the fuel ignited and caused burns. A medical team and members of the Civil Protection Depart- ment were called to the scene to assist. The man was taken by am- bulance to Mater Dei Hospital, where he was later certified as suffering from serious injuries. Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.