The French Parliament approved a law on active euthanasia and assisted suicide despite opposition from the Catholic Church. During the vote on the new law, 291 deputies voted in favor, while 241 voted against.
Allies of President Emmanuel Macron in parliament have proposed active euthanasia for four years, but these efforts were blocked by the Senate, where right-wing conservatives hold sway. The issue was also addressed by a citizens’ assembly selected by lottery, which did not reach a unanimous decision, although 75% of its members supported the proposal. Ultimately, Macron decided to let the National Assembly have the final say, a move that drew sharp criticism.
Sharp Reaction from the Church and Medical Community
“Now that parliamentarians have decided to legalize active euthanasia and assisted suicide, they are inscribing in French law that death can be provoked,” stated the bishops of the Catholic Church in France. They urged medical workers to “resist” and refuse to assist patients seeking help to die. Earlier, Pope Leo XIV attempted to persuade President Emmanuel Macron to reconsider his stance, but to no avail.
Overall, traditional right-wing and nationalist factions opposed the law, while left-wing and liberal groups supported it. However, the issue divided parties, with several deputies voting against their party lines. This division was driven not only by religious beliefs but also by protests from doctors and nurses in palliative care, who argued that the law contradicts their professional ethics. Additionally, organizations representing people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups expressed concerns about potential abuses of the law.
Conditions and Next Steps
According to the law’s text, an adult citizen of France or a person permanently residing in France who suffers from a serious progressive disease may apply for assistance to end their own life. The individual must be suffering from an incurable disease or, due to unbearable pain, choose to stop treatment. Psychological suffering alone is not sufficient to obtain such permission. They must also be able to express their wish “freely and clearly.”
If a doctor consents, a lethal substance will be prescribed, which the patient will administer themselves or, if that is not possible, with the assistance of medical personnel. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has appealed to the French Constitutional Council to verify whether the law’s text complies with the constitution. This process may take several months and could result in the invalidation of specific provisions or the entire law. If the law ultimately takes effect, France will join countries such as Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, and Spain, which have similar legislation.
Source: Dagens Nyheter
