At 50 years old and after more than two decades battling secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, Martina Oppelli has chosen to end her life in Switzerland under medically assisted suicide, having been denied this option in her native Italy. Her final appeal, recorded via the Luca Coscioni Association, urged Italian lawmakers to “enact a sensible law” guaranteeing a dignified end for all those suffering irreversible pain.
Martina’s journey: from diagnosis to advocacy
Martina was only 28 when she first received a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in April 2002. What began as occasional numbness and muscle spasms soon became a relentless progression:
- Motor limitations – Over the years, she lost nearly all independent mobility, requiring constant assistance for daily tasks.
- Chronic pain – Despite high doses of analgesics and muscle relaxants, persistent neuropathic pain and spasms persisted.
- Respiratory support – The use of a cough-assist machine and eventually a tracheal catheter underlined her dependence on life-sustaining treatments.
In August 2023, after living with total reliance on caregivers, Martina formally requested to access assisted suicide under Italy’s Constitutional Court ruling 242/2019, which allows end-of-life assistance for patients facing unbearable, treatment-resistant suffering. Her application was rejected three times by the local Health Authority (ASL ASUGI), which argued that the legal criteria—particularly the requirement for “life-sustaining treatment”—were not met.
Why Italy refused and Switzerland intervened
Italian health services denied Martina’s plea on the grounds that she did not fulfil the technical definition of “long-term life support,” despite her clear dependency:
- ASL interpretation – Local authorities interpreted the requirement narrowly, excluding patients who could not demonstrate invasive life support administered continuously.
- Legal ambiguity – The absence of explicit criteria for “complete dependence” left room for administrative discretion.
- Cross-border recourse – As a result, Martina embarked on a physically and emotionally taxing journey to Switzerland, where Article 115 of Swiss Penal Code permits assisted suicide under strict conditions.
Switzerland’s more permissive approach allowed Martina to spend her final days in a supportive environment, surrounded by trained medical teams, until she peacefully passed away following her own choice and timing.
Her powerful last message
Before her death, Martina recorded an urgent video appeal delivered to Italian parliamentarians:
- “Please remember me, I am Martina Oppelli.”
- “Over a year ago, I implored you to pass a sensible end-of-life law—one that ensures dignity and relief from suffering for all terminal patients or those with progressive, painful conditions.”
- “Every pain is absolute and deserves respect. I ask you, lawmakers, to bring forth legislation that recognizes the right to choose one’s own fate.”
Her heartfelt words—“Fate una legge sensata”—resonated widely on social media and sparked renewed debate among human rights organizations, patient advocacy groups, and medical professionals across Italy.
Public and political reaction in Italy
Martina’s passing prompted intense reactions:
- Advocacy groups – The Luca Coscioni Association and other NGOs called for immediate reform, demanding clear guidelines to prevent future refusals.
- Parliamentary proposals – Several deputies announced plans to submit amendments clarifying the criteria for assisted suicide, including recognition of total caregiver reliance.
- Opposition voices – Critics warned against a “slippery slope,” fearing potential abuses or pressures on vulnerable patients.
Nonetheless, a growing consensus emerged around the need to update Italy’s legal framework to bridge the gap between court rulings and administrative practice.
The emotional and health-care perspective
From a well-being standpoint, enabling a dignified final choice can alleviate:
- Psychological distress – Prolonged suffering leads to depression, anxiety, and loss of hope among patients and families.
- Medical strain – Emergency hospitalizations and escalated palliative interventions place an enormous burden on health-care systems.
- Family trauma – Loved ones face the agony of witnessing unrelieved pain or a contested decision to end life.
Martina’s case highlights how a compassionate, regulated solution can protect patient autonomy, reduce needless suffering, and support caregivers’ well-being.
What makes a law “sensible”?
Drawing on international models, a robust end-of-life law should include:
- Clear eligibility criteria – Definition of unbearable suffering, including progressive neurological conditions with documented dependence.
- Mandatory safeguards – Psychological evaluation, informed consent protocols, waiting periods.
- Oversight mechanisms – Independent review committees, transparent reporting to prevent misuse.
Such provisions ensure that choices remain voluntary, well-informed, and free from external pressure—truly upholding human dignity.
Empowerment through choice
Martina Oppelli’s courage has left a powerful legacy: the reminder that autonomy over one’s body, even at its most vulnerable, is fundamental to human dignity. As the debate in Italy evolves, her story inspires:
- Patients to speak out and seek clear legal pathways.
- Lawmakers to craft legislation that balances ethical safeguards with personal freedom.
- Healthcare providers to honor patient autonomy with empathy and respect.
In commemorating Martina’s life, we honour her last wish: a call for compassionate legislation that allows every individual to face the end of life on their own terms, with grace, respect, and above all, choice.
