“To give in to the temptation of euthanasia would be deleterious,” says Monsignor Rougé

The position of the Bishop of Nanterre on the subject of euthanasia is particularly clear. Invited to Sonia Mabrouk’s microphone this Tuesday morning, Monsignor Rougé said that it would be “harmful” to “give in to the temptation of euthanasia”, while our whole society has been mobilizing since the start of the pandemic to save life. most fragile.

A renewed effort in favor of palliative care

“We spent two years saving lives and in particular the lives of the elderly. How can we understand, after having made such a collective effort to save lives, that we are giving in to the temptation of euthanasia?” he on Europe 1. “This contradiction would be incomprehensible and deleterious”. Currently, the end of life in France is regulated by the Leonetti law, which refuses medical harassment. Active euthanasia is prohibited there, but the “unreasonable obstinacy” of the medical profession and “the artificial prolongation of life” are also prohibited.

A rebound of solidarity during the pandemic

On the other hand, Bishop Rougé calls for a “renewed effort” in favor of palliative care. “Beyond the strictly political responsibility, we call for an effort of solidarity and fraternity with the most fragile people”, he adds. According to him, there was indeed a “magnificent rebound in solidarity” during the pandemic, but there was also a “great isolation of the elderly and sick people”. The Church has worked with the public authorities so that chaplains are not considered in the white plan, the health emergency system, as non-essential personnel. “These people need a presence, an accompaniment. We must progress on this subject,” he believes.