Perugia – On Thursday, October 22, the regional parliament approved organizational rules for assisted suicide in Umbria. The citizens„ initiative “Liberi Subito” received eleven votes in favor, six against, and three abstentions. Regional President Stefania Proietti did not participate in the vote. Umbria is the fifth Italian region—after Tuscany, Sardinia, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto—to pass such a resolution.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Luca Coscioni Association, was signed by 4,801 citizens. Its goal is to establish health care procedures for people who request access to medically assisted suicide. The text, consisting of eight articles, was debated along with proposed amendments prior to the final vote. The debate also addressed the jurisdiction of the regions and the importance of palliative care.
The lawmakers made several references to Laura Santi. The journalist from Perugia, who suffered from multiple sclerosis, had advocated for the legislation and had died on July 21, 2025. Her husband, Stefano Massoli, watched the session alongside supporters of the initiative. After the result was announced, there was applause in the chamber.
Assisted Suicide in Umbria: Health Services Investigate
The adopted text provides for permanent interdisciplinary commissions within the local health authorities, the Aziende unità sanitarie locali. These commissions are to determine whether the requirements for access to the procedure have been met. The focus is thus on the organization and review by the health service. The parliamentary resolution does not constitute an unconditional approval.
Proietti cited the ethical implications of the issue as the reason for her decision not to participate in the vote. In her view, the national parliament should establish a uniform regulation. Different positions emerged within the governing coalition; several parliamentary groups left the decision to the individual members’ conscience. Supporters emphasized the right to self-determination of people suffering severely, while critics wanted to place greater emphasis on end-of-life care and support.
.jpg){kind=link}
