In Italy a young woman has been in a vegetative state for the last 17 years. Her father has been fighting for a long time to have her feeding tube removed so that she is allowed to die. Last November a court finally agreed to his request but the Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi has signed a decree forbidding it. There is no doubt that this most corrupt of politicians has taken this step not out of any concern for the young lady or for any ethical concern but for political considerations such as to please his right wing coalition partner, Forza Italia. Meanwhile the woman's parents are left wondering why such a vulnerable girl has become a political football, wondering if she is feeling any pain that she is unable to articulate and always always wondering what might have been. As a physician I would never agree to help in euthanasia yet as a person I fervently hope that my suffering should be ended if I am in a similar postion. Like Berlusconi a lot of doctors already suffer from 'God Complex' and it would be totally wrong to encourage that. Also doctors might be tempted to accept cash to end an old person's life so that his heirs are able to inherit his wealth. Once that happens trust between doctors and patients will be destroyed for ever. It is time that this painful and emotional issue is addressed with calm logic and a protocol laid down so as to avoid any anguish in the future.