France Legalizes the Right to Die Following Abortion Rights Legislation

Macron to Submit Draft Bill on Assisted Dying to Parliament in May

France, the first country in the world to enshrine abortion rights in its constitution, is now legislating the right to die.

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

On the 10th (local time), French President Emmanuel Macron revealed in an interview with the French daily La Croix and others that a draft bill on assisted death is expected to be submitted to the parliament as early as May. He explained, "We will open up the possibility to request help to die under certain, strict conditions."

The bill proposed by President Macron will apply only to adults capable of making their own decisions who suffer from incurable and fatal diseases such as terminal cancer. Accordingly, minors and those with mental illnesses including Alzheimer's will be excluded.

Additionally, under the consent of medical professionals, a method will be adopted where patients self-administer lethal drugs prescribed to them. If the patient is unable to do so directly due to circumstances, assistance from a third party may be allowed. Medical professionals who receive the patient's request must respond within 15 days, and even after approval, the patient can withdraw their intention to die within three months.

This measure allows for 'assisted death' or 'active euthanasia,' similar to Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Under current French law, life-sustaining treatment can be stopped or deep sedation can be administered to terminal patients if recovery is impossible, but active euthanasia involving lethal doses of drugs is prohibited. Patients wishing for this have had to go to neighboring countries like Belgium where it is permitted. A previous citizen advisory council survey in France showed that 76% responded that an active euthanasia system is necessary.

However, the passage of the bill remains uncertain. Even if the bill is submitted in May, it is expected that public opposition, especially from the Catholic community within the country, will be inevitable. In the interview, President Macron emphasized that medical expert opinions and patient consent are essential and added that he does not want to use the existing terms 'assisted suicide' or 'euthanasia.'