According to data from the Health Ministry, 404 babies have been born from IVF cycles since 2013. Minister Chris Fearne presented the free information in parliament on Monday in response to a question from MP Michael Farrugia.
Of the 404 babies, 249 were born from cycles at Mater Dei Hospital, while 155 were born from private tissue establishment cycles at St James Hospital. Additionally, 14 babies are expected to be born from Mater Dei Hospital for cycles completed in 2021, and six more are expected for 2022, with three from Mater Dei Hospital and three from the newly licensed HOPE Fertility Clinic.
A MaltaToday investigative report revealed that Malta’s IVF pregnancy rates fall below the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE)’s average of 39% in 2017. Between 2016 and 2020, local IVF pregnancy rates dropped from 25% to 17%, excluding miscarriages in the early stages of pregnancy.
The report highlighted concerns over the high risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) among Maltese IVF patients. OHSS occurs when the ovaries over-respond to the hormonal stimulation required for egg development, causing swelling and pain. This poses significant health risks to patients.
The government-financed fertility service at Mater Dei Hospital operates under a public-private partnership with Cherubino. However, the company’s €1.57 million government concession expired two years ago. Despite this, Cherubino has continued to operate without a formal contract extension or renewal.
Cherubino’s fees include the following:
When OHSS interrupts a fresh embryo transfer, the costs increase to €1,900 for service provision and €800 for egg freezing.
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