Robert Abela Pledges Voluntary Euthanasia Decision Will Be Taken By End Of Legislature
Prime Minister Robert Abela has pledged that the government will take a decision on whether to legalise euthanasia or not by the end of the current legislature, which is set to expire at the end of 2027.
For its latest episode, TVM discussion show Popolin asked every MP for their stance on euthanasia. And while the Prime Minister refused to state his own personal position, he promised that the government will soon take a decision.
He referred to the PL’s electoral manifesto, which promised a national discussion on the potential introduction of voluntary euthanasia for people with terminal illnesses.
However, he also went a step further, promising that the discussion won’t “lead nowhere” but will be a “prelude to an eventual decision”.
Meanwhile, the Nationalist Party was categorically against euthanasia, with Opposition Whip Robert Cutajar stating on behalf of the parliamentary group that this would compromise the party’s stance in favour of “safeguarding people’s health from the moment conception until their final breath”.
Active euthanasia and assisted suicide are currently 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.
However, a number of PL politicians – including deputy leader Daniel Micallef and MEP Cyrus Engerer – have come out in favour of legalising voluntary euthanasia in recent years.
Should Malta legalise voluntary euthanasia?
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