Italy's Forza Italia pushes amendments to assisted‑suicide legislation

Forza Italia lodged six amendments to the draft law on assisted suicide in the Senate, seeking a compromise between the coalition’s conservative line and the progressive stance of other parties. The proposals keep assisted suicide outside the National Health Service’s essential care levels, but allow hospital and general‑practice doctors to provide voluntary, free assistance either in private practice or under intramoenia arrangements. They introduce a conscience‑objection clause for health‑care staff, shorten the procedural deadline for a response to 90 days (down from 120), and require that palliative care be guaranteed. Tools for possible self‑administration must be sourced from the National Research Council. Party leader Stefania Craxi described the changes as “a serious and shared effort to bring the bill to a conclusion, respecting all sensitivities, especially those of the Catholic world.” Opposition parties, including the Democratic Party and the League, criticised the amendments as insufficient, while the centre‑left majority continues to debate the bill’s core provisions.

The debate highlights the broader political split over end‑of‑life care in Italy, with the government aiming to pass the legislation before the parliamentary term expires.