Macron signs France’s euthanasia law

French President Emmanuel Macron. Photo: Depositphotos

On August 19, French President Emmanuel Macron promulgated a law legalizing euthanasia in the country, Tribune Chrétienne reports.

The legislation was published in France’s official gazette. Under the law, patients who meet the stipulated conditions may take a lethal drug themselves. If a person is physically unable to do so, the substance may be administered by a healthcare professional.

The legislation thus enshrines in French law the possibility of intentionally ending a patient’s life at their request. Opponents of the law, including representatives of the Catholic community, regard this as the outright legalization of euthanasia.

The Catholic publication sharply criticized the authorities’ decision, calling it another step toward a “culture of death.” The authors recall that in 2024 France also enshrined a woman’s freedom to have an abortion in its Constitution and view the new law as a continuation of the same government policy.

Critics of euthanasia warn that the practice could particularly affect the seriously ill, the elderly and people dependent on others for care. Instead, they are calling on the government to expand palliative care and support for patients.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that religiously affiliated clinics in France would be required to provide euthanasia.

Read also