Terminal Patients To Decide Which Treatments They Do Not Wish To Receive

Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms Rebecca Buttigieg has announced plans to introduce new legislation establishing a legal framework for Advance Medical Directives.

The proposed bill follows extensive consultation with stakeholders across the health sector and aims to regulate how such directives are made and implemented.

Speaking at a press conference, Buttigieg explained that Advance Medical Directives, often referred to as a Living Will, are already recognised in a number of developed countries.

These directives allow individuals to formally state which extraordinary medical treatments they would not wish to receive in circumstances where such interventions would only prolong life without offering the prospect of recovery from a serious condition.

The directives would only come into force if a person is no longer capable of making decisions about their own medical care.

According to Buttigieg, the legislation is intended to strengthen patient autonomy while also providing clarity and reassurance to medical professionals who may face difficult decisions without being able to obtain consent.

Under the proposal, individuals would first receive appropriate medical information from their chosen doctor before registering the directive with a notary. It would then be formally included in their medical records.

The Parliamentary Secretary stressed that no one would be required to draw up a Living Will, and that the law would not permit requests that conflict with national legislation.

Palliative care will be recognised as standard medical care and cannot be refused through such directives.

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