Measures for Legalizing Active Euthanasia
The French government has decided to consider legalizing active euthanasia for terminal patients with no hope of recovery.
According to AFP on the 3rd (local time), French President Emmanuel Macron met with the citizen advisory group he formed, '184 French Citizens,' and stated, "We will prepare a bill containing a French model for ending life before the summer ends."
Earlier, on the 2nd, the 184 French Citizens decided to recommend the legalization of euthanasia to the government.
The vote showed that three-quarters supported "active assistance in dying," meaning active euthanasia or assisted suicide under certain conditions.
However, the advisory group could not reach a conclusion on what to do when the patient is unconscious or a minor due to disagreements among members.
President Macron said, "The group's proposal has sparked discussions on introducing euthanasia in France," but added, "However, I cannot promise to implement it immediately."
In fact, the group's recommendation is not binding. Nevertheless, President Macron stated, "It will only be permitted if a patient suffering from an incurable disease expresses a voluntary wish for euthanasia."
French People Wanting Euthanasia Go to the Netherlands and Belgium
France introduced passive euthanasia in 2005, which involves stopping life-sustaining treatment, but active euthanasia, which involves assisting death through drugs, remains illegal.
Terminal patients in France who want active euthanasia have had to go to other European countries that allow euthanasia, such as the Netherlands or Belgium.
In France, assisted suicide, where medical staff prescribe drugs but the patient self-administers them to cause death, is also illegal.
However, the French National Ethics Committee showed a progressive stance last year by stating that active euthanasia "can be considered," which has led to active discussions on the matter.
Previously, in April 2002, the Netherlands became the first country to legalize active euthanasia and assisted suicide.
Belgium, Luxembourg, and Spain followed the Netherlands.
In the Netherlands and Belgium, euthanasia is permitted for minors with parental consent.
Switzerland prohibits euthanasia but has allowed assisted suicide for decades.
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