Debate in Italy around the right to die with dignity

"In the coming weeks we will be able to measure the capacity of politicians to adequately broach questions that relentlessly arise concerning scientific and technological innovations", notes the journalist Stefano Rodotà, referring to propositions made by Giorgio Napolitano, president of the Republic. This man has indeed asked Parliament to debate the right to choose a dignified end to one's own life. "This choice does not come from any loss of values, it has its roots in deep religious convictions, as has been shown by the victory of Jehovah's Witnesses, who have been given the right to refuse blood transfusions ... The refusal of treatment, a person's wishes and the dignity of the dying are henceforth key references of values that we cannot elude. It is on the modalities of a biological testament and not on existence that the legislators should be asked to express themselves."

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