On Friday evening, the first public consultation meeting on voluntary assisted euthanasia took place at the Fgura Local Council hall, where members of the public gathered to share their views on this sensitive issue.

Among the attendees were people who have experienced the suffering caused by terminal illness, who spoke openly about their personal experiences and perspectives.

Opinions expressed during the meeting varied widely. Some participants felt the consultation document should have been more open, while others opposed the principle of voluntary assisted euthanasia altogether. Many emphasized, based on their personal experiences of witnessing suffering and loss, that the decision to seek euthanasia is deeply personal and connected to human dignity—a choice that should never be denied. Several attendees also found reassurance in the document’s clear stance that such decisions must be voluntary and made solely by the individual concerned.

Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality, Rebecca Buttigieg, attended the meeting primarily to listen to the public’s feedback. She highlighted that the Government is committed to hearing all opinions and noted that over 140 submissions have already been received as part of the ongoing consultation process.

The consultation document stipulates that any patient considering voluntary assisted euthanasia must first be referred to palliative care—a medical approach focused on relieving pain and improving quality of life for those with serious illnesses.

It also clearly states that old age, disability, and mental health conditions are not valid reasons to request voluntary assisted euthanasia. The procedure can only be requested by individuals aged 18 or older who are suffering from a terminal illness medically certified to lead to death within six months.

Furthermore, the document proposes strict safeguards, including making it a criminal offense to encourage or pressure someone into requesting euthanasia.

A rigorous review process was also proposed, involving a regulatory board led by a former judge, who would grant final approval after a reflection period. Importantly, individuals requesting euthanasia retain the right to change their minds at any time.

The public consultation remains open until July 2, 2025. Members of the public are encouraged to participate by submitting their comments online at www.facts.gov.mt or by attending upcoming community meetings scheduled to take place in Gozo and Mosta.

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The Archdiocese of Malta has congratulated Fr Johann Bugeja SDB, Fr Matthew Sammut, and Fr Shawn Wong on their ordination as new priests. The ordination took place on Sunday morning at the Co-Cathedral of St John in Valletta.

 

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During the Mass, a verse from the First Reading, taken from the Prophet Isaiah, was proclaimed: “They will be called oaks of righteousness, planted by the Lord to glorify him” (Is 61:3). In his homily, Archbishop Charles Scicluna drew on this verse, comparing the new priests to oak trees, called by God to bear the fruit of righteousness.

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