Zgodovinska reforma Francija legalizira pomoč pri smrti

France has enacted a historic reform, legalizing active euthanasia under strict conditions. The National Assembly voted definitively on Wednesday to approve a law granting individuals the right to assisted dying, marking a landmark shift in French society. The legislation allows fully capable adults suffering from severe, incurable illnesses causing unbearable pain to request assistance in ending their lives. The measure was championed by President Emmanuel Macron, who sees it as the culmination of a long political process marked by delays and shifting priorities. The path to this decision was arduous and protracted. Although Macron publicly supported a euthanasia bill in 2017, he delayed action during his first term. In his second term, he convened a citizens' convention on end-of-life issues, which in early 2023 recommended the introduction of active euthanasia. However, Macron hesitated again, fearing potential societal tensions and conflicts with religious communities. Despite these concerns, the president ultimately pushed forward, recognizing the need for legislative change. The law follows a series of failed attempts to pass similar measures. An initial government draft was introduced in 2024, but the unexpected dissolution of the National Assembly in June of that year stalled progress just before final approval. Advocates for euthanasia viewed this as a major setback. Parliamentarians quickly restarted the process, leading to repeated votes in the National Assembly and equally frequent rejections by the conservative-dominated Senate. After a failed mediation process, the government decided to grant the National Assembly the final say, a constitutionally permitted step. Social opposition to the reform has been intense. Medical professionals have expressed ethical reservations, arguing that euthanasia should not fall within the responsibilities of healthcare workers. To address these concerns, the law includes multiple safeguards. It requires a multi-step evaluation process, followed by a cooling-off period. Only when a person is unable to administer the lethal substance themselves can a doctor or nurse provide it. In addition to the euthanasia law, a separate bill aimed at expanding palliative care was also approved. This initiative seeks to ensure that patients receive adequate support, reducing the likelihood that they would turn to euthanasia due to lack of medical care. While the new laws represent a significant shift in policy, they will not take effect immediately. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has announced plans to consult the Constitutional Council, which will assess whether specific provisions align with principles of human dignity and individual freedom.