Pharmacists object to euthanasia, seek conscientious objection clause
State-of-the-art palliative care needed
The Chamber of Pharmacists has called for a conscientious objection clause for pharmacists should parliament legislate to allow Assisted Voluntary Euthanasia.
The chamber has written to Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg, warning that euthanasia risks sending a societal message that some lives are no longer worth living.
"All human life holds intrinsic value, regardless of age, ability, or health status and should be protected," the chamber said.
In this context, it said it was insisting on a conscientious objection clause for pharmacists, should there be eventual legislation.
"Rather than promote a culture of death, which is not a health care professional’s calling, there is a strong need for investment and implementation of state-of-the-art palliative care for Malta including equitable and timely access to innovative medicines and medical devices to ensure the dignity of life at all its stages right to a natural end," the chamber said.
In its submission to the parliamentary secretary, the chamber said it considered the launching of the public consultation on euthanasia in the wake of the launching of the National Strategy on Suicide Prevention and the National Palliative Care Strategy a concerning paradox.
In its recommendations, the chamber called for:
- Integration of comprehensive palliative care services for patients with serious, life-limiting chronic conditions, and their families, regardless of their prognosis.
- Enabling the increase and the training of Specialists in Palliative Care, entrenching palliative care in the core curricula of healthcare professionals, including pharmacists.
- Promoting and supporting the continuing professional development of all healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, on palliative care and their role in supporting patients.
- Partnerships between the Government and Professional Associations, including the chamber should be fostered in the provision of palliative care services.
- Equitable and timely access to innovative medicines.