Sardinia Sets Precedent with New End-of-Life Legislation, Says Coscioni

Sardinia: Sardinia has been recognized as a leading example in the realm of end-of-life care legislation after the island’s regional council passed a law to regulate assisted suicide. This makes Sardinia the second region in Italy, following Tuscany, to implement such a law. The Luca Coscioni Association, an advocate for right-to-die laws, announced the development following the council’s decision.

According to Ansa News Agency, Filomena Gallo and Marco Cappato, the national secretary and treasurer of the Luca Coscioni Association, expressed their appreciation to the Sardinia Regional Councilors for the approval of the ‘Liberi Subito’ (Immediately Free) law. This legislation establishes the procedures and timeframes for medical assistance in voluntary death.

The new law aims to prevent prolonged waiting periods for individuals enduring unbearable and irreversible suffering. Gallo and Cappato highlighted that Sardinia’s move aligns with the Constitutional Court’s Cappato-Antoniani ruling, which permits assisted suicide in Italy under specific conditions.

The association’s future goal is to see the ‘Liberi Subito’ law adopted across all Italian regions, ensuring that while assisted suicide is legal per the Constitutional Court’s rulings, patients and doctors have clear guidelines regarding procedures and timeframes. The Luca Coscioni Association also provides information on topics such as living wills and palliative care through its toll-free number, 06 9931 3409.

Gallo and Cappato emphasized their commitment to enhancing palliative care and expressed willingness to collaborate with those opposed to the law, underscoring that the right to self-determination does not conflict with the right to treatment.