France is considering legalising assisted suicide but with the proviso that those that want to die in this fashion must administer the drugs themselves.
On 17 May the French National Assembly approved a provision providing a “right to assisted dying”. The article passed 75 votes to 41 and a full vote on the entire text of the bill is anticipated to happen next week.
While possibly giving the green light to assisted suicide in the longer term, the French proposal is explicit in stating that those wishing to undergo the procedure must administer the lethal substances themselves.
The proposal would allow medical professionals to manage the reason for death only in cases where the person is physically incapable of doing so themselves. The stated principle is that self-administration must be the norm, with assistance the exception.
French faith leaders have united in expressing their deep misgivings in regards to the potential legalisation of assisted suicide.
An announcement by Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist leaders called for greater palliative care and support for those with terminal illnesses. They said, “This alternative is one in all humanity over abandonment, relationship over loneliness, and care over resignation.”
The issue of assisted suicide can be currently being debated in two separate bills within the UK, one in Westminster and one in Scotland.
While each bills have passed their first parliamentary hurdles, campaigners note that many who voted in favour of the proposals on the early stages are beginning to waver resulting from concerns in regards to the lack of safeguards for those considering ending their lives.
Speaking in regards to the proposal within the Scottish Parliament, John Lamont, a Scottish Tory MP said, “It was made clear in the course of the debate and public statements beforehand that many MSPs have given this bill only qualified support and voted for it in order that the talk can proceed. Only a tiny variety of MSPs must flip to make sure it’s defeated later within the Parliamentary process.”
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