(ANSA) - Rome, April 21 - A bill on living wills passed from
the Lower House to the Senate Thursday evening by 324 votes to
37.
A living will, also called a directive to physicians or
advance directive, is a document that lets people state their
wishes for end-of-life medical care, in case they become unable
to communicate their decisions.
According to the present shape of the bill, which has been
contested by Catholics, terminally ill patients can state
beforehand a refusal of treatment but doctors can refuse to
comply with their wishes because of conscientious objection.
According to the bill, there is a ban on excessive and
unnecessary end-of-life treatment and a recognition of the
patient's right to refuse treatment, also in Catholic clinics.
But the doctor may refuse to pull the plug because of
conscientious objection.
Living-wills bill moves from House
Patients can refuse treatment but doctors can object