Medically assisted suicide in Italy: Recent legal developments on a controversial topic

On 16th June 2022, the first case of lawful 'medically assisted suicide' took place on Italian soil. This event is a result of decade-long debates on informed consent and end-of-life care stimulated by medical jurisprudence. The authors first retrace the crucial moments that allowed this to happen and underline the problems still to be solved. The cases of DJ Fabo, Davide Trentin, Mario and Fabio Ridolfi are discussed, signalling how they influenced the path implemented by Italian jurisprudence.

Automated summary

On 16th June 2022, the first case of lawful 'medically assisted suicide' occurred in Italy, following years of debates on informed consent and end-of-life care prompted by medical jurisprudence. The authors examine the significant moments that led to this milestone and highlight the remaining challenges. The cases of DJ Fabo, Davide Trentin, Mario and Fabio Ridolfi are discussed to illustrate their impact on Italian jurisprudence.