VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The government has presented draft legislation introducing “Living Wills”, formally known as Advance Medical Directives, aimed at giving individuals greater control over their medical treatment while safeguarding dignity at vulnerable stages of life.
The proposal was outlined during a press briefing in Parliament by Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms Rebekah Buttigieg.
Buttigieg said the reform is grounded in the principle that human dignity is a fundamental and inalienable right, following an extensive consultation process. The draft law will now be tabled in Parliament for debate.
At its core, the legislation would allow adults aged 18 and over, with full mental capacity, to formally refuse specific medical treatments in advance, should they later become unable to express their wishes.
“This is not about euthanasia,” Buttigieg stressed, clarifying that the measure enables personal choice without imposing decisions on others.
The directive must be made in writing, based on professional medical advice, and formalised through a notarial act. It would take legal effect once notarised.
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