European NGOs unite to petition EU Parliament on voluntary assisted dying
During this legislature, Malta is set to have a discussion on euthanasia as this was one of the Labour Party’s 2022 electoral promises
25 March 2024, 9:07am
Matthew Farrugia
Matthew Farrugia
1 min read
Humanists Malta, a Maltese NGO is one of 28 NGOs petitioning the EU Parliament
A coalition of 28 organisations spanning across the European Union have banded together to advocate for the right to voluntary assisted dying.
Their collective efforts aim to ensure individuals' autonomy over their end-of-life decisions.
Among the organisations is Humanists Malta, an NGO that upholds humanism's core values, which include, “compassion, freedom of personal choice, human rights, and voluntary assisted dying.”
During this legislature, Malta is set to have a discussion on euthanasia as this was one of the Labour Party’s 2022 electoral promises.
In November 2022, Prime Minister Robert Abela had stated that a debate on euthanasia must lead to an eventual decision. During the same time, the Nationalist Party had stated that it is against euthanasia.
The 28 organisations are planning to petition the EU Parliament to adopt a number of measures. Foremost among these is the inclusion of the right to voluntary assisted dying in The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU.
Additionally, they seek legislation that enforces an individual's right to decide the means and timing of their death, provided they are capable of making a free decision. This right, according to a statement by Humanists Malta, is recognised by the European Court of Human Rights as an aspect of the right to respect for private life, and is pivotal in upholding individuals' autonomy and dignity.
The associations support advanced directives and living wills being mutually recognised within the EU. Such acknowledgement guarantees that one's end-of-life choices be respected regardless of location, provided that it complies with the legislation of the member state in which the person resides.
This article is part of a content series called Ewropej. This is a multi-newsroom initiative part-funded by the European Parliament to bring the work of the EP closer to the citizens of Malta and keep them informed about matters that affect their daily lives. This article reflects only the author’s view. The action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament's grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action.
Matthew Farrugia is a staff reporter at MaltaToday
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