Since the national discussion on voluntary assisted euthanasia began, there have been more than 500 submissions made to contribute to the debate, both in favour and against the concept, Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality Rebecca Buttigieg said on Monday.

In her adjournment speech in Parliament, Buttigieg said that she has listened to various experiences through the recent three public meetings on voluntary assisted euthanasia over the past weeks.

Buttigieg said that many of these experiences were of relatives who went through the situation where a family member had a terminal illness and had died.

She said that many beyond the public meetings wrote about their experiences in private, experiences which leave one "speechless," with Buttigieg saying that if she can do something to address these situations, then it was right for the discussion to commence.

Buttigieg said that there were those who found the courage to speak publicly about their hardships, many with tears in their eyes, but they express clearly the love they gave to their relatives, and after such pain, felt the need to speak about the possibility for assisted euthanasia.

Buttigieg said that almost all spoke in favour of the principles the government put in its document, which it launched for public consultation around a month ago.

Some criticised that the document was too restrictive, mostly in terms of terminally ill having under six months to live, as well as it excluding certain conditions, she said.

She recalled some experiences shared in these meetings, whereby the father of a woman had to experience a slow, painful death for a year and a half despite wanting to die with dignity, as voluntary assisted euthanasia was not possible.

Buttigieg said that some had expressed their concerns over familial hereditary conditions which they may face in the future.

"We cannot be indifferent, we must put ourselves in these people's shoes, and at the same time ensure that if we choose to legislate, we would have the best regulatory regime, for those few circumstances where there is no treatment, nor hope for life," Buttigieg said.

"This is not a choice between life or death. It is a choice between death and death, as the process of death would have already started," Buttigieg said.

She said that the first obligation must be to refer the individual to palliative care, which the government will continue to invest in.

She also appealed to medical professionals, doctors and nurses to come forward with participating in the consultation.

Buttigieg said she felt satisfied that the public consultation on voluntary assisted euthanasia also raised more discussions on palliative care.

Buttigieg said that 80% of those abroad who have decided to opt for euthanasia were already receiving palliative care and emphasized that this is a "dignified end of life."

She said that aside from the public meetings, she has met with many people with knowledge or opinions on the subject, and while criticism range from being different to agreement, there is a general consensus that the government's document is a serious one, with a strong regulatory framework.

Buttigieg said that there is certainly no plan for an overly-liberal regime without strict regulations, and was certain that the PN would not favour the implementation of a liberal regime.

"The document makes it clear that the person must request it themselves if they have a terminal illness which will result in death in a period of six months," Buttigieg said.

She continued that those who encourage someone to request voluntary assisted euthanasia will be subject to criminal liability, and the option is only available for adults over 18 years of age who have been residing in the country in the past 12 months.

Buttigieg said that the emphasis will remain on palliative care first, and if assisted euthanasia is requested, the process involves a number of checks and balances, through three medical professionals as well as a Board led by an ex-member of the judiciary.

Buttigieg said that the person who makes the request can change their mind at any point in time, and professionals have the right not to participate, while referring to another medical professional.

She said that she was satisfied that the discussion in the past weeks was not partisan, but was slightly disappointed with the choice of certain words - by calling voluntary assisted euthanasia as "killing," or "assisted suicide."

Buttigieg said that many of those against mentioned religious reasons, and while she respected that position, if government takes the step to legislate, these persons will still be free to make their own decisions on the matter, as the State obliges respecting the choices of all.

Buttigieg thanked the technical team which took part in creating the document, and reminded that submissions are to be made by 2 July, however, the discussion will not close then, but rather she said it must intensify based on the submissions and feedback heard.

She concluded by saying that the government was not afraid to start discussions on the matter to address people's pain and society's challenges.