Setback for Italian who wants to die

0 Comments | AFP, December, 2006

ROME (AFP) — An Italian muscular dystrophy patient at the center of a debate on euthanasia suffered a setback in his bid to be allowed to die when experts said he should continue on life support because his death is not imminent. "Treatment for Piergiorgio Welby, in particular the artificial respirator that is keeping him alive, does not constitute excessive care," the Higher Health Council (CSS) said, according to the ANSA news agency.

"There is no imminent danger to the life" of the terminally ill Welby, who is 60 and has been on life support since 1997, the 51-member CSS said. The body's advice is not legally binding, but its expertise was requested by Health Minister Livia Turco last week. Welby wrote an open letter to Italian President Giorgio Napolitano in September...