Eluana Englaro

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Eluana Englaro (25 November 1970 – 9 February 2009) was an Italian woman who became the focus of a landmark legal case regarding the right to die. Englaro was in a persistent vegetative state for 17 years following a car accident in 1992. Her case sparked significant debate in Italy and internationally about euthanasia, patient rights, and medical ethics.

Early Life

Eluana Englaro was born on 25 November 1970 in Lecco, Italy. She was an active and healthy young woman before her accident.

Accident and Medical Condition

In January 1992, Englaro was involved in a severe car accident that left her in a persistent vegetative state. Despite numerous medical interventions, her condition did not improve, and she remained in a coma for the rest of her life.

Legal Battle

The legal battle over Eluana Englaro's right to die began in the late 1990s. Her father, Beppino Englaro, argued that his daughter would not have wanted to live in such a condition and sought legal permission to withdraw her life-sustaining treatment. The case went through various levels of the Italian judicial system, including the Court of Cassation, Italy's highest court.

In 2008, the Court of Cassation ruled in favor of Beppino Englaro, allowing the withdrawal of Eluana's feeding tube. This decision was met with significant opposition from various groups, including the Catholic Church and some Italian politicians.

Death

Eluana Englaro died on 9 February 2009, after her feeding tube was removed. Her death marked the end of a highly publicized and contentious legal and ethical debate in Italy.

Impact and Legacy

The case of Eluana Englaro had a profound impact on the discussion of euthanasia and end-of-life care in Italy and beyond. It highlighted the complexities of medical ethics and the legal system's role in personal health decisions. The case also led to increased awareness and dialogue about patient rights and the right to die with dignity.

See Also

• Euthanasia
• Right to die
• Medical ethics
• Persistent vegetative state
• Patient rights