Title: French Scientists Warn Against Expansion of Euthanasia
The French Academy of Medicine has criticized the possible expansion of euthanasia to include patients „in an advanced stage“ of illness. The scientific body emphasized that this formulation is „inappropriate and dangerous“ shortly after the debate on the proposed euthanasia law began in the National Assembly on Tuesday. The wording also includes patients with incurable diseases who could live for a long time, the scientists emphasized.
Members of the National Assembly have been debating the bill since Monday evening. According to the proposal, terminally ill adults who are fully conscious may request „assistance in dying.“ Minors, mentally ill individuals, or Alzheimer’s patients are excluded. The decision will be made by a doctor after consulting with others.
If all conditions are met, the doctor can prescribe a life-ending medication to the terminally ill individual, which the patient then takes. If the patient is physically unable to do so, a doctor or a close person may assist.
Health Minister Catherine Vautrin estimated at the beginning of the debate that up to 4,000 dying individuals could be affected by the new law annually. However, she said that „only a few“ would likely take advantage of it.
The Association for Dignified Dying welcomed the proposed legislation as a „first step towards a new right.“ However, the Bishops‘ Conference warned that people might decide to take this step in order not to burden others. Nursing organizations first call for an improvement in palliative care, which accompanies dying individuals and seeks to alleviate pain.
Active euthanasia is currently prohibited in France. Since 2016, doctors have been allowed to administer strongly pain-relieving drugs to dying individuals that may hasten death.
The euthanasia law is expected to be the most significant societal reform of President Emmanuel Macron’s second term in office. Its adoption is not expected before 2025 at the earliest.