Euthanasia has been officially legalized in France

French President Emmanuel Macron signed a law that officially permits euthanasia within the country. The document was published in the official gazette, thereby enshrining citizens’ right to intentionally end their lives, subject to certain conditions.

According to the provisions of the new law, a patient is given the opportunity to administer a lethal drug to themselves. In cases where a person’s physical condition prevents them from doing so without assistance, the procedure may be performed by a healthcare professional at the patient’s direct request.

This decision has drawn sharp criticism from representatives of the Catholic community. Experts characterize this move as promoting a “culture of death,” drawing parallels with the recent inclusion of the right to abortion in the French Constitution. Opponents of the law express serious concerns that this measure will endanger the lives of the elderly, the seriously ill, and vulnerable populations, and are calling on authorities to focus on expanding access to palliative care.

It was also previously reported that the new legislation imposes an obligation on religious medical institutions to perform euthanasia procedures, which is sparking further public debate.