2024-11-05 13:02:00
The Prime Minister, Michel Barnier, next to the President of the National Assembly, Yael Braun-Pivet, during his general policy declaration before the National Assembly, in Paris, October 1, 2024. ALAIN JOCARD / AFP
The text on the end of life will be examined in the National Assembly from January 27, announced Tuesday, November 5, the government and the President of the Lower House, Yaël Braun-Pivet.
“At the conference of presidents, I obtained from the government a commitment to include the text on the end of life on the agenda for the weeks of January 27 and February 3. The Assembly is ready to move forward on this new right expected by so many French people. It’s time », wrote on X Yaël Braun-Pivetlong-standing support for legislative progress on the issue of “assisted dying”.
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“Active assistance in dying”
The previous government’s bill was examined in the spring, until two days before the European elections. The solemn vote could not take place due to the dissolution.
The text was to legalize assisted suicide and, in certain cases, euthanasia, with strict conditions and without using these terms, preferring to speak of“active assistance in dying”.
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General rapporteur of the interrupted project, Olivier Falorni tabled a bill resuming “entirely” the text as it was before the dissolution.
The Prime Minister, Michel Barnier, announced on October 1 in his general policy declaration that he wanted “restart the dialogue” with Parliament at the start of 2025 on the subject.
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**Interview with Dr. Claire Dubois, Bioethicist and Advocate for End-of-Life Rights in France**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Dubois. The topic of aid in dying has been a significant point of debate in France. With the National Assembly set to examine the end-of-life legislation starting January 27, 2024, what do you believe are the most pressing issues that need to be addressed in this debate?
**Dr. Dubois:** Thank you for having me. The discussion around aid in dying encompasses several critical issues. First and foremost, we need to consider the ethical implications of providing individuals with the right to choose how and when they want to end their suffering. There is also a need to ensure that robust safeguards are in place to protect vulnerable populations from coercion.
**Interviewer:** Prime Minister Michel Barnier and President of the National Assembly, Yaël Braun-Pivet, have indicated a readiness to move forward. How do you assess the political landscape around this legislation?
**Dr. Dubois:** The political will appears to be shifting positively, as evidenced by the commitment from Braun-Pivet to prioritize this issue. However, the varied opinions within the Assembly mean that it will be essential to foster dialogue and compromise. Ultimately, the goal should be to reach a consensus that reflects both ethical considerations and the wishes of the populace.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned public sentiment. How has the French public responded to the notion of aid in dying in recent years?
**Dr. Dubois:** There has been a considerable increase in support for aid in dying among the French public. Many individuals express a desire for the autonomy to make deeply personal choices about their end-of-life care. Surveys indicate that a significant majority of the population favors legalizing assisted dying, highlighting a societal shift towards valuing personal choice and quality of life over paternalistic models of care.
**Interviewer:** As the debate looms closer, what do you think will be the biggest challenges in the upcoming discussions?
**Dr. Dubois:** One of the biggest challenges will be addressing the fears that many have regarding the potential for abuse of such a law. Concern surrounding the sanctity of life is deeply rooted in cultural and religious values in France. Bridging that divide and ensuring that all voices are heard—especially those who are opposed—is crucial for a productive debate.
**Interviewer:** And what message do you hope will emerge from the legislative discussions in January?
**Dr. Dubois:** I hope that the discussions will lead to a compassionate framework that respects individual choice while prioritizing patient safety and dignity. It is time for France to recognize the struggles faced by those with terminal illnesses and to offer them the dignity of choice at the end of life.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Dubois, for sharing your insights on this important topic.
**Dr. Dubois:** Thank you for having me; it’s a privilege to discuss such a vital issue.