Italy: Right- to- die debate re- ignited

October 17, 2007

Italy’s highest appeals court has ordered a retrial in a controversial case involving a man who wants to end his daughter’s 15-year coma by removing the drip which is keeping her alive. The Cassation Court said a person’s right to decide what medical treatment they receive should be respected even if doing so would cause their death. The ruling, which immediately sparked both applause and criticism, comes amid a legislative void in Italy on issues such as living wills and related end-of-life questions. (ANSA.it)