Emotional testimonies dominated the third community consultation on assisted voluntary euthanasia, held in the Mosta community hall. Organised by the Parliamentary Secretariat for Equality and Reforms, the meeting saw 22 interventions from members of the public, several of whom recounted painful personal experiences involving the prolonged suffering of relatives with terminal or hereditary conditions.

Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg addressed those present and warned against the spread of misinformation and fearmongering, particularly when it comes to the inclusion of vulnerable groups. She stressed that persons with disabilities, the elderly, and those living with mental health conditions will not be considered under any framework for assisted voluntary euthanasia. "These conditions," she said, "will never be eligible criteria."

Buttigieg also thanked those who had the courage to relive and share their grief during the session. She noted that their testimonies-often involving years of pain and hardship-highlight the importance of holding open and respectful discussions on this sensitive topic. "Many people are making sacrifices to share their stories," she said, "and their voices must be heard."

She reiterated the government's commitment to continue listening and engaging beyond the current round of consultations, which formally closes on 2 July. The discussions are also looking at the possible introduction of advance healthcare directives-legal instruments through which individuals in good health can outline what medical treatment they would or would not want to receive in the future.

Buttigieg noted that the consultation process has clearly shown the need for a national conversation on end-of-life choices. She expressed satisfaction that the debate has remained focused on the issues and not been politicised, adding that terminal illness affects people from all walks of life and "does not see colours."

So far, more than 450 official submissions have been sent in since the start of the consultation process nearly five weeks ago. Buttigieg said that these contributions contain many valid points which will now be analysed and evaluated as part of the government's ongoing assessment.

This was the third in a series of meetings aimed at gathering public feedback on the subject, and forms part of a wider effort to address legislative gaps around end-of-life care in Malta.

Third consultation on Assisted Voluntary Euthanasia marked by emotional testimonies

Emotional testimonies dominated the third community consultation on assisted voluntary euthanasia, held in the Mosta community hall. Organised by the Parliamentary Secretariat for Equality and Reforms, the meeting saw 22 interventions from members of the public, several of whom recounted painful personal experiences involving the prolonged suffering of relatives with terminal or hereditary conditions.

Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg addressed those present and warned against the spread of misinformation and fearmongering, particularly when it comes to the inclusion of vulnerable groups. She stressed that persons with disabilities, the elderly, and those living with mental health conditions will not be considered under any framework for assisted voluntary euthanasia. "These conditions," she said, "will never be eligible criteria."

Buttigieg also thanked those who had the courage to relive and share their grief during the session. She noted that their testimonies-often involving years of pain and hardship-highlight the importance of holding open and respectful discussions on this sensitive topic. "Many people are making sacrifices to share their stories," she said, "and their voices must be heard."

She reiterated the government's commitment to continue listening and engaging beyond the current round of consultations, which formally closes on 2 July. The discussions are also looking at the possible introduction of advance healthcare directives-legal instruments through which individuals in good health can outline what medical treatment they would or would not want to receive in the future.

Buttigieg noted that the consultation process has clearly shown the need for a national conversation on end-of-life choices. She expressed satisfaction that the debate has remained focused on the issues and not been politicised, adding that terminal illness affects people from all walks of life and "does not see colours."

So far, more than 450 official submissions have been sent in since the start of the consultation process nearly five weeks ago. Buttigieg said that these contributions contain many valid points which will now be analysed and evaluated as part of the government's ongoing assessment.

This was the third in a series of meetings aimed at gathering public feedback on the subject, and forms part of a wider effort to address legislative gaps around end-of-life care in Malta.