Italian regions advance assisted‑suicide legislation amid constitutional court review

In Emilia‑Romagna, a health commission led by President Gian Carlo Muzzarelli is discussing a regional bill to regulate access to medically assisted suicide for patients with irreversible, intolerable illnesses. The proposal, backed by the centre‑left parties Avs, PD, Civics and M5S, aims to ensure uniform procedures, multidisciplinary evaluation and the possibility for patients to revoke their request.

In Umbria, the regional council is awaiting the Constitutional Court's clarification of the term “vital support”, a key eligibility criterion for assisted suicide. The court’s upcoming decision could broaden the pool of patients eligible under the 2019 Cappato ruling. Umbria’s draft law seeks to standardise procedural timelines and reduce disparities in access, while remaining within the limits of national constitutional standards.

Both regions reference the national framework set by the Constitutional Court, which requires an irreversible pathology, intolerable suffering, decision‑making capacity and dependence on life‑sustaining treatment. The debates reflect broader ethical, legal and health‑service considerations across Italy.