France: Macron announces a bill for “assisted dying” under “strict conditions”
Emmanuel Macron announced on Sunday that a bill opening “
assisted dying
” under “
strict conditions
” would be presented in April to the Council of Ministers, with a view to a first reading in May in the National Assembly, in an interview given to
La Croix
and
Libération
.
French President Emmanuel Macron in Prague on March 5, 2024. REUTERS - David W Cerny
By: RFI with AFP
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Adult patients, "
capable of full and complete discernment
", suffering from an "
incurable illness
" with a "
short or medium-term vital prognosis " and suffering "
refractory
" suffering
(which cannot be relieved) will be able to "
request to be able to be helped to die
,” the head of state told the two daily newspapers.
Minors and patients suffering from psychiatric or neurodegenerative illnesses which impair discernment, such as Alzheimer's, will therefore be excluded.
In the event of a favorable collegial opinion from the medical team, a lethal substance will be prescribed to the person, which they can administer themselves, or with the help of a third party if they "
are not in control". able to do it physically
.
This third party may be "
a voluntary person whom they designate when no technical constraint prevents this
", or "
the doctor or nurse who accompanies them
", depending on the text which must be transmitted from here ten days at the Council of State.
Administration can take place at home, at the Ephad or in a healthcare establishment.
The
patient’s “
consent ” is essential
After the patient's request, "
there is a minimum of two days of waiting to test the solidity of the determination
", explains Emmanuel Macron.
“
Then, the response must be received within a maximum of fifteen days.
In the event of a favorable response, the prescription is valid for three months, during which the patient can, of course, withdraw at any time
,” he adds.
It specifies that in the event of an unfavorable opinion, the patient can “
go and see another medical team
” or “
proceed with appeals
”.
Also read: What reform in France regarding end of life?
Even if this act can be compared to a form of assisted suicide, the president assures that he wanted to avoid this term, or that of euthanasia, because the “
consent
” of the patient is essential and “
the medical decision has its role to play
” , “
with precise criteria
”.
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