Italian Senate blocks end‑of‑life bill as centre‑right delays debate

The Italian Senate voted to postpone further examination of the assisted‑dying legislation, sending the bill back to the Justice and Social Affairs committees. Senate President Ignazio La Russa said he fulfilled his role in trying to bring the text to the floor, but respected the chamber’s decision. The centre‑right majority approved the referral by a vote of 88 to 59, citing procedural concerns and fears of dissent within its ranks.

Opposition leaders, including Democratic Party secretary Elly Schlein and M5S deputy Stefano Patuanelli, denounced the move as a betrayal of a proposal signed by all opposition groups that would guarantee a dignified end of life. They warned that the delay jeopardises patients seeking assisted suicide, citing recent cases of Italians travelling abroad for the procedure. The next scheduled discussion on amendments is set for 9 June, after hearings by the Higher Institute of Health and the National Research Council.

The episode highlights deep divisions in Italy over civil‑rights legislation related to end‑of‑life care, with the ruling coalition accused of avoiding a public vote on the issue.