The deputies adopt in committee a text creating « aid to die » – Liberation

The deputies adopted a bill on Friday May 2 in committee on Friday, May 2, creating a « Right to help die ». The text of Olivier Falorni (Modem group) was adopted by 28 deputies against 15 and one abstention. Supported by the majority of representatives of the left and macronist groups, and fiercely fought by those of the RN and LR, it would allow patients suffering from a « Serious and incurable affection » to receive or administer a lethal substance.

A text with strict conditions. MPs had approved in April in committee the key article of the bill, which defines a series of strict criteria opening the right to patients to use « Help to die ». These five cumulative criteria are: be at least 18 years old; French or residing in France; suffering from a « Serious and incurable affection, whatever the cause, which engages the vital prognosis, in advanced or terminal phase » ; The latter causing a « Physical or psychological suffering » refractory to treatments or unbearable; be able to manifest your will in a free and enlightened way.

In its initial version, the bill provided that the vital prognosis is committed « Short or medium term » – the difficulty being to know what covers this notion of « Medium term ». An opinion of the High Authority for Health on the subject is expected before examination during the meeting, scheduled from May 12.

MPs from the modem and horizons have tried to restore this formulation, without success. LR deputies pleading them to restrict the field again by providing that the vital prognosis is committed to « Short term ». The emergency doctor Philippe Juvin (LR) worried that the editorial staff concerns people who possibly still have several years to live.

Olivier Falorni pointed to him again the vagueness of the concept of « Short and medium term », and estimated that the only « Short term » would not bring substantial change compared to the 2016 Claeys-Leonetti law, which establishes a « Deep and continuous sedation » until death for patients with a « Serious and incurable affection ».