The French Parliament rejected an amendment on freedom of conscience regarding euthanasia

The French Parliament has passed a resolution that could require religious and private medical institutions to perform euthanasia and assisted suicide, rejecting an amendment on the right to refuse to participate in such practices on grounds of conscience. According to The European Conservative, this decision jeopardizes the operations of clinics and hospices whose mission is based on protecting life and providing palliative care.

During the debate on the “end-of-life care” bill, lawmakers refused to include a provision protecting institutions that oppose euthanasia on ethical or religious grounds. As a result, medical organizations may lose the ability to invoke their own principles, which transforms euthanasia from an ethical choice into a mandatory medical service.

Criticizing the parliamentarians’ actions, Roman Catholic Bishop Matthieu Rouget described the decision as “a blow to freedom of conscience.” He emphasized that true medical care should consist of supporting life, not facilitating death. Church representatives expect that the Church’s position on this issue will be further articulated during Pope Leo XIV’s upcoming visit to France.