Labour Says Maltese People Should Vote In Referendum On Assisted Voluntary Euthanasia

The Labour Party has said the discussion around assisted voluntary euthanasia should continue, with the Maltese public eventually being given the opportunity to express its opinion through a referendum.

The proposal was announced as part of Labour’s electoral manifesto, which was presented and approved yesterday evening ahead of the next general election taking place on the 30th May.

In the manifesto, Labour said government had already carried out a wide public consultation on the subject and introduced the concept of a medical testament into Maltese law. A medical testament allows people to state in advance what medical treatment they would or would not want in serious health situations if they are unable to communicate their wishes in the future.

Euthanasia is when a person suffering from a terminal illness, unbearable pain or a condition with no chance of recovery chooses to end their life with medical assistance. It is usually discussed in cases involving extreme suffering at the end of life.

Labour said people expressed different opinions during the consultation process and believes the national discussion on the sensitive issue should continue before the public is eventually asked to vote in a referendum.

In Europe, euthanasia is legal under strict conditions in countries including the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Spain. Some other European countries, such as Switzerland, Germany and Austria, allow forms of assisted dying or assisted suicide under different legal frameworks.

The subject remains highly debated internationally, with supporters arguing it gives people dignity and choice at the end of life, while opponents raise ethical, moral and religious concerns.

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