In Lombardy, over 38,106 living wills have been registered, which corresponds to one advance healthcare directive (DAT) for every 168 residents, according to data updated as of December 31, 2023. This initiative is part of the campaign “Today You Choose,” promoted by the Luca Coscioni Association, which aims to raise awareness among citizens about the right to self-determination regarding end-of-life decisions, as guaranteed by Law 219/2017. The campaign’s advertisement, featuring Luciana Littizzetto, tells the story of Cristiano and his partner Patrizia, highlighting the importance of Advance Healthcare Directives (DAT) to prevent others from making decisions for us during critical moments. The association has called on Minister Schillaci to initiate a proper national information campaign, emphasizing that current misinformation could hinder citizens’ right to make informed choices. The provinces of Lombardy show significant variations in the number of DATs registered; for instance, Varese stands out with one DAT for every 119 residents. The campaign encourages everyone to educate themselves and draft their living wills using free templates available online, thus ensuring their wishes are honored in case of future incapacity. Italian Version
Biological Will in Lombardy: Self-Determination and Updated Data
