Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1530259
13 ANALYSIS maltatoday | SUNDAY • 8 DECEMBER 2024 UK assisted dying Bill: A blueprint for Malta? Malta's Labour Party has promised to initiate a national discussion on the potential introduction of euthanasia for terminally ill patients. James Debono asks whether Malta will follow suit after the UK's recent approval of a bill regulating assisted dying. THE UK Assisted Dying Bill, introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, passed its second reading last week after a nu- anced debate that divided MPs across party lines. The key focus of the debate was whether sufficient safe- guards are in place to prevent abuse. While only a small num- ber of MPs opposed the bill based on the sanctity of life, a broader concern emerged about the potential for a "slip- pery slope" effect, where legal- ising assisted dying could lead to unintended consequences. The safeguards in the bill The UK euthanasia bill es- tablishes a legal framework for individuals with terminal or in- curable illnesses to seek med- ical assistance in ending their lives. The UK euthanasia bill establishes a legal framework for individuals with terminal or incurable illnesses to seek med- ical assistance in ending their lives. Key provisions include eligibility criteria requiring the individual to be over 18, men- tally competent, and suffering from unbearable pain due to a terminal or incurable illness. Two independent doctors must evaluate the patient's condition to confirm eligibili- ty, followed by judicial approv- al from a high court judge, who ensures that all legal safeguards are followed. The judge may question the patient, doctors, or others involved and requires a 14-day waiting period after the ruling. The bill also man- dates consultation with fami- ly members, though the final decision lies with the patient, who retains the right to with- draw the request at any point before the procedure. Leadbeater, who introduced the assisted dying bill, has em- phasized that the legislation is designed to offer terminally ill patients "genuine choice and autonomy." She argued that without the bill, many people would continue to suffer in "of- ten unbearable pain and fear" without the option to choose a dignified death. A nuanced debate cutting across party lines The euthanasia bill has sparked a nuanced debate across party lines which was described by Green MP Sian Berry as one "full of caring and compassion on both sides – with all MPs listening respect- fully to one another." While Prime Minister and Labour leader Keir Starmer pledged a free vote for MPs, he personally voiced support for changing the law on assisted dying. Other Labour figures, like Ed Miliband and Liz Ken- dall, also expressed support for the bill, emphasising the im- portance of individual auton- omy in end-of-life decisions. However, others, like Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, voiced opposition, citing con- cerns about the adequacy of palliative care and the potential risks of coercion, particularly for elderly people feeling pres- sured by family expectations. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, now an independent MP, also voted against, warn- ing that in the absence of full access to palliative care badly CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE