San Marino Council debates end-of-life and biological testament law

The Grand and General Council of San Marino has begun examining a popular initiative bill regarding end-of-life care and biological testaments. The proposed legislation recognizes the right to self-determination, stating that no medical treatment may be initiated or continued without patient consent. It includes the right to receive complete information about one's condition and the right to refuse or revoke treatments, including artificial nutrition and hydration.

The bill strengthens palliative care as a right, available in hospices or at home, and includes provisions for deep palliative sedation. While it does not introduce euthanasia or assisted suicide, it regulates Advance Healthcare Directives (DATs), allowing adults to indicate their future medical wishes.

Patricia Busignani, president of the Emma Rossi Association and lead signatory of the project, described the approval as an important step for the Republic. However, she noted that some modifications made to the text were not improvements. Attention now shifts to the necessary decrees required to make the law operational, specifically regarding the implementation of DATs and organ donation processes.

While the majority praised the text as a mature synthesis of community sensitivities, opposition members raised concerns regarding the protection of minors and vulnerable individuals, as well as the decision to delegate the creation of DAT forms to the ISS health directorate.