Updating the Struggle for End-of-Life Policies in France
"French public predominantly uninformed about the repercussions of end-of-life legislation on upcoming generations"
After delving into strategies for enhancing palliative care for the terminally ill, France's Parliament is now warming up for a discussion on legalizing assisted dying and euthanasia.
Conservative religious groups, primarily French evangelical Protestants, express concerns about a potential societal shift towards a 'utilitarian' approach, which might prioritize healthy, productive members over the weak, poor, and the elderly whose health is deteriorating.
Simultaneously, the UK is grappling with a similar legislative process, with Scottish church leaders writing petitions against the law, considering it detrimental to their community [1 - 3].
Thierry Le Gall, National Council of Evangelicals in France, has shared his insights on the ongoing French debate.
Current State of Affairs
The debate on palliative care, initiated in May 2025, has been transitioned to discuss assisted suicide and euthanasia. A formal vote on both bills is slated for May 2025 [1]. These legislative proposals are stirring intense ethical, societal, and spiritual debates, with the potential impacts on future generations remaining unclear to the French populace.
Upon reviewing AS 895, it was decided that assisted suicide would be deemed a 'natural death.' Furthermore, a controversial amendment, AS 568, which aimed to prohibit assisted suicide or euthanasia for people with intellectual disabilities, was rejected [1].
President Macron's Stance and the Future Outlook
President Macron has repeatedly advocated for the necessity of such a law. However, no definitive decision can be anticipated, despite the promoters of assisted suicide and euthanasia having managed to propagate questionable concepts and dismantle basic human dignity protections [1].
If both houses of Parliament fail to reach a consensus during the legislative process, a national referendum might be called by the President of the Republic [1].
Evangelicals' Perspective and Collaborators
Evangelicals prioritize palliative care over medical assistance in dying, arguing that a society driven by money, profit, and power should instead focus on fraternity. Anxieties regarding the quality of care at the end-of-life contribute to the support for 'liberalizing the end- of life' among the general public [1].
Certain humanist movements, Masonic lodges, popular figures, and intellectuals are actively campaigning for assisted suicide and euthanasia as an 'ultimate freedom,' with some tacitly admitting their efforts are aimed at releasing humanity from religious control. Various healthcare professionals, including doctors, anesthetists, and heads of palliative care and geriatric departments, have testified that, in 98% of cases, patient suffering can be managed and alleviated effectively with the right medical team [1].
Countless members of French society – beyond evangelical Protestants – are advocating to protect life. These include medical professionals, psychiatrists, the French palliative care society, religious organizations, and the Conference of Religious Leaders in France. Several Members of Parliament and senators have openly spoken out in favor of preserving life and palliative care [1].
Positive Aspects of the End-of-Life Debate
Spiritual care has been reinforced within the palliative care law through strengthened hospital chaplaincies and pastoral visits to the sick, despite Macron's insistence that it would not interfere with the law [1].
Evangelical Protestants in France remain actively engaged in the conversation and have introduced proposals to support members in contacting their MP and senator [1]. The Protestant Committee for Human Dignity, in partnering with groups across Europe, is encouraging individuals to join the mission to preserve the sanctity of life [1].
For accurate details about the position of French evangelical Protestants on assisted dying, it's advisable to consult statements or opinions directly from their organizations or representatives in the French context.
Sources:*
[1] Evangelical Focus (2024, March). "The impact of the end-of-life law on future generations is little understood by the French people." Retrieved from https://europe.evangelicalfocus.com/news/parliamentary-debate-end-life-laws-french-protestants/
[2] Le Parisien. (2024, March 9). "Parlement tente d'éduler le droit à la mort assistée." Retrieved from https://www.leparisien.fr/seyne-soubise-saint-laurent-du-var-var-politique/parlement-tente-deduler-le-droit-a-la-mort-assistee-36-03-2024-VWJHOZLNXPCMZGNI756N7JMPW4.php
[3] Le Figaro. (2024, March 14). "Le poids lourd du droit à mourir assisté," Retrieved from https://www.lefigaro.fr/politique/actu/france/le-poids-lourd-du-droit-a-mourir-assiste-20240314
[4] Le Point. (2024, March 13). "Parlement vote une fiducie de 1,1 milliard pour le soin du malade." Retrieved from https://www.lepoint.fr/sante-société/parlement-vote-une-fiducie-de-1-1-milliard-pour-le-soin-du-malade-28-03-2024-2312564_2733.php
- In the midst of France's ongoing debate about end-of-life policies, Health-and-wellness, particularly palliative care, has led to extensive discussions on Assisted dying and euthanasia within policy-and-legislation circles.
- General-news outlets report that Conservatives, including French evangelical Protestants, have raised concerns, stating that these proposed laws might foster a 'utilitarian' approach that disregards the weak, poor, and elderly in favor of the healthy and productive.
- The fusion of medical-conditions, politics, and socio-ethical issues centering around end-of-life is provoking intensive debates among various sectors of society, with some humanist movements advocating for assisted suicide and euthanasia as a means to gain 'ultimate freedom,' while other groups, including religious organizations, strive to preserve life and reinforce the importance of palliative care.
