The Medical Association of Malta, in a statement, has called the new Equality bill – “a good law which goes beyond what it intends to achieve, causing problems to medical practice. Consultation and amendments are needed.”

The Association said that the Equality bill currently in parliament aims to promote equality and discourage all forms or discrimination based or race, creed, religion or sexual orientation.

It added that these are very well-established principles of Medical Ethics which doctors have been obliged to follow since many years, and which can be enforced by the Medical council. These ethical principles are included in the curriculum of medical students, and specialist trainees alike.

The MAM said that while it is in agreement with the principles behind the bill, it formally supports the position taken by the Medical Council of Malta recommending the need for conscientious objection, and that amendments are necessary in this regard.

The proposed bill goes well beyond its intended objective, the MAM said, and can “put Medical practitioners in difficulty with their personal beliefs on topics such as abortion and euthanasia.”

The MAM therefore, appealed to the Minister for justice to carry out a proper consultation with the medical sector.

It concluded by saying that “all forms of discrimination must be condemned; however due consideration must be taken so as to avoid unacceptable situations in medical practice.”

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