France debates active euthanasia bill in final reading

France's National Assembly is set to debate active euthanasia in its third reading, a move championed by President Emmanuel Macron as a significant societal project. The proposed legislation aims to legalize active euthanasia under stringent conditions for terminally ill individuals who are fully conscious.

If passed, the law would allow adults with severe illnesses to self-administer lethal medication. Should they be physically unable to do so, a person of their choosing could assist. The legislation also includes provisions to protect sites where euthanasia is performed and penalizes those who obstruct requests for euthanasia or related information with up to two years in prison and a 30,000 euro fine.

The bill faced an earlier hurdle when the Senate proposed amendments, including renaming the right to "medical assistance in dying" and narrowing the scope to patients with a poor short-term prognosis, rather than those in an "advanced stage." Conservative senators and some socialists in the Senate opposed these changes, fearing they would dilute the right to euthanasia.

The Catholic Church has strongly voiced its opposition, urging the faithful to speak out against the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide. The Bishops' Conference has called for nationwide days of prayer for dignity and the protection of life. This legislative process follows a broad societal debate and a citizens' convention, which had largely favored paving the way for active euthanasia.