Tuscan bishop criticizes new right-to-die law in Italy

The head of the Tuscan Bishops' Conference has expressed disapproval over the passage of a new law in Italy that allows medically assisted suicide. Cardinal Augusto Paolo Lojudice, president of the regional bishops' conference, described the legislation as "not an achievement, but a defeat for everyone."

In a statement released by the Italian bishops' conference on February 11, Cardinal Lojudice emphasized that the new law passed by the Regional Council of Tuscany will not deter their commitment to advocating for life. He encouraged chaplains, religious figures, and volunteers working in hospices and hospitals to continue offering hope and support.

The Regional Council of Tuscany approved this legislation on February 11, becoming the first Italian region to regulate assisted suicide. Major cities such as Florence, Pisa, and Siena are part of this region. The decision follows a 2019 ruling by Italy's Constitutional Court that effectively legalized assisted suicide and called for a legal framework.

This new regulation outlines procedures for handling requests for medically assisted suicide while allowing doctors to opt out based on moral grounds.

Prior to the enactment of this law, the Italian bishops' conference had issued a statement urging politicians to use this opportunity for reflection rather than divisive debate. They highlighted Tuscany's history in caring for vulnerable individuals and called upon legislators to focus on palliative care instead of symbolic laws during times of crisis in regional healthcare.

"Human life is an absolute value," asserted the bishops. "There is no 'right to die,' but rather the right to be cared for."

Antonio Brandi, president of Pro Vita & Famiglia—a Catholic organization dedicated to right-to-life issues—also criticized the legislation as "barbaric and inhumane." He argued it would push vulnerable individuals towards what he termed "state-sponsored death" and urged government intervention via Italy's Constitutional Court.

Brandi further stressed that protecting fragile lives should be prioritized through effective palliative care rather than enacting laws that could only be addressed at a national level.

Junno Arocho Esteves reports from Malmö, Sweden.