The public consultation on voluntary assisted euthanasia has just concluded, marking the end of several weeks of national discussion on this issue.
Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms Rebecca Buttigieg, who initiated the consultation as part of the government’s electoral manifesto, described the process as a mature and respectful debate involving thousands of submissions from the public.
The consultation invited views on the proposed framework for voluntary assisted euthanasia in Malta, with people expressing both support and opposition.
Two major campaigns emerged during the consultation period: ‘Għażla. Dinjita’, which advocates for the right to choose assisted euthanasia in cases of terminal illness, and ‘Oqtol l-Uġigħ, Mhux Lili’, which opposes the measure and instead calls for enhanced palliative care.
Secretary Buttigieg emphasised that the consultation is not over, as the analysis of submissions will continue.
She also highlighted that palliative care remains a key focus and that even the best palliative care may not always relieve unbearable suffering at the end of life.
The process has encouraged important dialogue and has helped inform the next steps.
A decision on whether voluntary assisted euthanasia will be introduced, modified, or discarded will follow the consultation.
What do you think?
#MaltaDaily
