The French National Assembly votes on this February 24 on the bill on the so-called “aid in dying”, a text that provides for the legalization of assisted suicide and euthanasia and that has generated intense political and social debate in the country.
On the eve of the solemn vote, the Bishop of Bayonne, Lescar and Oloron, Mons. Marc Aillet, has disseminated a statement in which he warns of the “extreme gravity” of the norm and the consequences that its approval could entail.
A text considered “permissive”
The bill debated in the Assembly would not be a compromise text, but a norm that would significantly expand access to euthanasia. Mons. Aillet points out that various amendments aimed at strengthening guarantees on discernment, consent or absence of pressures would have been rejected during the parliamentary process.
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The text contemplates the possibility of accessing “aid in dying” in cases of serious and incurable illness in an “advanced or terminal” phase, even when the patient is not necessarily at the immediate end of life.
Likewise, proposals that would allow hospitals and residences to refuse to perform euthanasia for ethical or religious reasons have been rejected. In parallel, the bill provides for sanctions for those who attempt to obstruct or dissuade a family member from resorting to this practice.
Debate on palliative care
The episcopal statement reminds that numerous healthcare professionals note that many patients who request to die change their minds when they receive adequate accompaniment and palliative care.
The bishop also cites statements from the former Minister of Health François Braun, who has warned that it could be easier to access euthanasia than to a specialized unit in palliative care.
According to data mentioned in the statement, a significant portion of the French population prioritizes universal access to these cares over the legalization of assisted suicide.
Call ahead of the parliamentary decision
Ahead of the vote in the National Assembly, Mons. Aillet invites the faithful to pray for the deputies and political leaders called to pronounce on the law.
The bishop considers that the eventual approval of the text would represent a “true civilizational shift” and quotes words from Pope Leo XIV in favor of promoting “policies of authentic solidarity” in the face of what the Pontiff has described as “illusory forms of compassion”.
The decision of the lower house will mark a key point in the evolution of the debate on the end of life in France.