Malta Should Allow Some Forms Of Legal Euthanasia, Independent Party Volt Propose
Independent party Volt has unveiled their manifesto and it involves some interesting takes on on one political hotpoint: euthanasia.
“Volt believes that every person has the right to determine how to end their life with dignity, as long as no other person’s life is harmed.”
In the document, the party maintained that a wide range of support should be available and accessible to those seeking help; via measures such as medical attention, palliative care, hospices and flexible work-times.
But when dire situations call for proper solutions, additional avenues can and should be implemented.
“Grave situations of ‘constant and unbearable physical suffering that cannot be alleviated’ may see persons seek assistance to terminate their life, and they deserve to be supported to do so, with dignity.”
In light of this, Volt identified three forms of euthanasia.
Passive euthanasia, which occurs when a person dies as a result of medical professionals not performing the necessary actions to keep that person alive, or when they stop doing something that is keeping that person alive (i.e. allowing a natural death).
In hospitals presently, the decision can be construed as a gentle step beyond a ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ order, wherein persons with an established terminal illness are allowed a chance to die a natural death without further invasive measures.
The next is termed ‘Assisted Dying’. This entails a person making a request, out of their own volition and with full conviction, to take their life by way of a medical professional’s assistance.
“Before undertaking Assisted Dying, the person should first be given the opportunity to explore other life and death options available.”
“To the very end, the person stays in full control of the process and is solely responsible for their death. The physician’s role is to supply, not administer, the legal drug.”
Finally, they propose active euthanasia; the form of euthanasia Volt does not endorse. This occurs when a doctor or another person intentionally administers a fatal dose of medication to cause the patient’s death at the patient’s request and with full consent.
Although unspecified, instances where this may be the case could be when the patient in question is unable to make any decision whatsoever.
You can access their manifesto online by clicking here.
With the passing years, Malta’s ‘pro-life versus pro-choice’ debate has been entirely focused on abortion, but as times roll on, little to no legislative change seems to have been instigated.
Yet, whilst Malta’s abortion debate remains overwhelmingly divisive, the general public seems to be warming up to the scarcely-discussed practice that is euthanasia.
Presently, active euthanasia and assisted suicide are illegal in Malta.
Assisted suicide is considered a crime and is punishable by up to 12 years in prison. On the other hand, the withdrawal of treatment – a form of passive euthanasia – and palliative sedation are legal and, as of 2016, were carried out by 15% and 7.5% of doctors in Malta respectively.
What is your take on this proposal?