Tuscany Approves First Right-to-Die Law in Italy

Tuscany has made history by becoming the first region in Italy to approve a right-to-die law, allowing medically assisted suicide in the absence of national legislation on the matter. The law, which passed with a 27-13 vote, requires a medical and ethics commission to review requests within 30 days, and if approved, the regional health services must provide necessary medication and a doctor within 10 days. While Governor Eugenio Giani heralded the legislation as providing clarity and objective procedures, it faces potential constitutional challenges from the far-right-led national government, which opposes euthanasia. Critics, including conservative groups, argue that this move could lead to a slippery slope similar to Switzerland's euthanasia policies. The Italian Constitutional Court had effectively legalized assisted dying in 2019, urging the parliament to establish a formal legal framework, which remains unaddressed. Despite political divides, the ongoing debate on assisted dying continues to gain traction in various regional assemblies across Italy.