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Posted on 07/13/2011 3:48:02 PM PDT by wagglebee
July 13, 2011 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The lower house of Italy’s parliament has voted to prohibit the starvation and dehydration of patients in a move that is seen as a response to the killing of Eluana Englaro in 2009.
In a 278-205 vote recorded in secret, the Italian Chamber of Deputies voted to approve the bill, which prohibits “all forms of euthanasia and all forms of assistance or aid for suicide.”
The law provides for the creation of Anticipated Declarations of Treatment (DAT), which are also known as “Living Wills.” DATs will allow patients who are unconscious or otherwise unable to communicate to refuse treatments that are “disproportionate or experimental.”
However, under the bill the withholding of food and fluids is prohibited in all circumstances. It states that nutrition and hydration “cannot be the object of the DAT” and “must be maintained until the end of life, with the exception of cases in which the same proves to be no more efficacious in providing the patient in the terminal phase with the nutritional factors necessary for the essential physiological functioning of the body.”
The measure now goes to the Senate, where it is also expected to be approved.
The bill originated in late 2008, while Eluana Englaro, a 38 year old woman in a “vegetative state” but otherwise in perfect health, was being starved and dehydrated to death by decision of her father. It was introduced after the nation’s Supreme Court allowed the killing to proceed. Englaro died after four days without food or water after the nation’s president refused to sign the anti-euthanasia.
Eluana Englaro’s Father Now Making Waves as a Euthanasia Activist
Vatican Warns 41 Dissident Italian Priests Who Approved of Eluana Englaro Killing
Eluana Englaro’s Father Investigated for Homicide
Eluana’s Court Approved Killing a case of “Judicial Imperialism”: Italian Prof
Italian Left Launches “Living Wills” Euthanasia Campaign in the Wake of Eluana Englaro Crisis
Italy’s “Terri Schiavo” Dies Suddenly
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I read where they were supposed to have involuntary euthanasia in the Netherlands. Not sure what the difference is between that and murder. Funny that liberals tend to support abortion and involuntary euthanasia, but get really upset if a child killer gets executed. As long as you kill the innocent you’re ok, but boy, you better not hurt some psycho pervert.
This is really wonderful news.
So nice to see you, BB!
Brava
Good to see you too!
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