Jacques Serais / Credits: Bertrand GUAY / AFP
After months of hesitation and consultations, Emmanuel Macron has finally made a decision. In an interview with “La Croix” and “Libération”, the head of state outlined the outlines of his end-of-life bill which should be presented to the Council of Ministers in April 2024.
Emmanuel Macron announced on Sunday, in an interview with our colleagues at The cross And Release that a bill opening up “assisted dying” under “strict conditions” would be presented to the Council of Ministers in April. Because the President of the Republic no longer has any doubts. “My hand is not shaking,” he assured. But if its societal project is clear, the words used maintain the vagueness.
The presidential text will make no reference to euthanasia or assisted suicide. The term chosen is “assisted dying” because it is “simple and humane”, believes the Head of State. This support will be reserved for adults, capable of full discernment.
A supported procedure
Another condition is having an incurable illness and a life-threatening prognosis in the short or medium term as well as physical or psychological suffering that cannot be relieved. After the patient’s request, it will be up to a medical team to make a decision.
Note that even if the government is considering in recent days whether to call into question the treatment of long-term conditions to save money, Emmanuel Macron certifies that this end-of-life procedure will be reimbursed by health insurance. It is “a law of fraternity”, he says. A fraternity hitherto ignored for help living with 21 departments still lacking palliative care units.