Act of compassion or feminicide? An 87-year-old octogenarian helps his wife, who has cancer, die.
The line between compassion and crime can often be fine, as evidenced by a recent case in Nice where an 87-year-old man is indicted for the alleged murder of his wife, who suffered from cancer, in what appears to be an act of domestic euthanasia. The complexity of the laws surrounding euthanasia and feminicides in France raises questions that deserve further exploration.
Last Friday, an octogenarian was placed in police custody in Nice, accused of “intentional homicide by a spouse” according to the city prosecutor. The incident was highlighted by the Acty 17 site, specializing in legal news . The suspect, during his interrogation, allegedly confessed to having ended the life of his 88-year-old wife, who was suffering from terminal cancer, by strangling her with an electric cable., in order to alleviate his suffering. These claims were not immediately verified by the prosecution. The man alerted the emergency services after the tragedy, which occurred during the night from Wednesday to Thursday, who then went to the couple’s home.
The year 2022 saw 118 women lose their lives at the hands of their spouse or ex-spouse, marking a slight decrease compared to the previous year, according to a report on “violent deaths within couples” published by the Ministry of the Interior. This report also indicates that the total number of violent deaths in intimate relationships has remained almost constant, with 145 cases recorded in 2022 compared to 143 in 2021.
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Is a national reflection on euthanasia necessary?
This tragic affair could reopen the debate on the legalization of euthanasia in France, a sensitive and complex subject. The moral and legal dilemma at the heart of this case calls society into question regarding current legislation surrounding end of life and euthanasia.
France, unlike some of its European neighbors, has not legalized euthanasia or assisted suicide, which can leave individuals in desperate situations without legal options to ease the suffering of their terminally ill loved ones. This case could serve as a catalyst for renewed dialogue on the need to explore more humane and compassionate laws regarding euthanasiawhile ensuring that the rights and safety of women are protected in the broader context of femicide.