Healthcare and decision-making in dementia Consent to treatment
Consent to medical treatment is covered by article 32 (2) of the
Italian Constitution, which states, "No-one may be forced to
undergo any particular medical treatment, save under the
provisions of the law. In no case shall the law violate the
limits imposed by proper respect for the human person." Article
13 (1) of the Constitution states that personal liberty is
inviolable. As a person's moral liberty, the right to self-
determination and physical liberty (the right to respect for
bodily integrity) are all elements of personal liberty, this
article can also be understood to cover the issue of consent.
Article 32 of the Constitution further states that nobody may be
forcefully submitted to medical treatment except as regulated by
law and that such law may in no case violate the limits imposed
by respect for the human being. Consent is also covered by the
Italian Code of Medical Ethics of 18.12.2006. Articles 33 to 37
deal specifically with informe