The Right to Euthanasia: The French Parliament Considers a Controversial Bill.

In France, debates have flared up again regarding the legalization of assisted suicide – a voluntary departure from life with medical assistance. The Parliament is discussing bills that propose expanding palliative care and allowing assisted suicide for adults with terminal illnesses.

If the initiatives are approved, patients will be able to self-administer or receive a lethal injection from a doctor.

Political Debates

The bill is supported by President Macron's supporters and left-wing forces, but conservatives and far-right groups oppose it. They believe that funds for euthanasia should be redirected to improve palliative care.

Deputy Olivier Falorni stated:

'People have the right to choose death, as sometimes it is better than endless suffering.'

'Euthanasia may conceal serious risks.'

The Palliative Care Crisis

Protests against the bill have been organized by activists demanding increased funding for palliative medicine. According to the Court of Auditors, more than 50% of patients do not receive the necessary care.

Many opponents of the law believe that it is the lack of quality palliative care that drives patients to choose death.

A vote is scheduled for May 27. Political parties have allowed their deputies to vote according to their beliefs. It is worth noting that recently, the former Prime Minister of the Netherlands and his wife committed suicide through euthanasia. The founder of the online library Flibusta also died by this method.