Florence, June 11 (LaPresse) – The Luca Coscioni Association announced today that the first medically assisted suicide in Tuscany has taken place since the regional law regulating timing and procedures was approved in February, "confirming its full applicability due to constitutional precedent, despite the Government's challenge."
"On May 17, in the province of Siena," the association explained in a statement, "writer Daniele Pieroni was able to lucidly and peacefully choose to end his life thanks to Constitutional Court ruling 242/19 and the Tuscan law. The 60-year-old man had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease since 2008 and, due to severe dysphagia, was forced to live with a PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy) functioning 21 hours a day."
The statement traces the story back to August 2023, when Pieroni, through a friend, "contacted the Luca Coscioni Association’s White Number to inquire about access to assisted voluntary death." "Marco Cappato provided him with all the necessary information, including details on advance healthcare directives, deep palliative sedation, and withdrawal of ongoing treatments."
"Daniele," the note continues, "chose the path outlined by the 'Cappato ruling' and submitted a formal request to ASL Toscana Sud Est on August 31. After receiving a positive response on April 22, 2024, based on the constitutional criteria set by the 'Cappato-Dj Fabo' ruling, Daniele confirmed his wish to proceed at home less than a month later. Everything took place in full compliance with the Tuscan law and the Constitutional Court's conditions."
At his home, the lethal drug was prepared and self-administered by Daniele. The association also reported that "two doctors and a forensic medical examiner from the ASL were present on a voluntary basis, acting with great humanity and professionalism, as confirmed by those in attendance." Also by Daniele's side were Felicetta Maltese, coordinator of the Tuscan branch of the Luca Coscioni Association, his healthcare proxy Leonardo Pinzi, his caregivers, and his family. At 4:47 p.m., Daniele activated the dual-pump infusion device, and at 4:50 p.m., he stopped breathing peacefully.
Felicetta Maltese commented: "It is important that the law worked and that the ASL respected the timeline with seriousness and dignity."
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