Emmanuel Macron announced on Sunday that a bill opening a “ help to die ” below ” strict conditions » would be presented in April to the Council of Ministers, with a view to a first reading in May in the National Assembly, in an interview given to The cross And Release.
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Adult patients, capable of full and complete discernment “, suffering from a “ Incurable disease ” with ” vital prognosis engaged in the short or medium term » and suffering suffering « refractory » (which cannot be relieved) will be able to “ ask for help in order to die », Told the head of state to the two daily newspapers. Minors and patients suffering from psychiatric or neurodegenerative illnesses which impair discernment, such as Alzheimer’s, will therefore be excluded.
In the event of a favorable collegial opinion from the medical team, a lethal substance will be prescribed to the person, which they can administer themselves, or with the help of a third party if they ” is not able to do this physically “. This third party could be “ a voluntary person whom it appoints when no technical constraint prevents this “, or ” the doctor or nurse who accompanies him », according to the text which must be transmitted within ten days to the Council of State. Administration can take place at home, at the Ephad or in a healthcare establishment.
THE ” consent » of the patient is essential
After the patient’s request, ” there is a minimum of two days of waiting to test the strength of the determination », Explains Emmanuel Macron. “ Then, the response must be received within a maximum of fifteen days. In the event of a favorable response, the prescription is valid for three months, during which the patient can, of course, withdraw at any time. », he adds. It specifies that in the event of an unfavorable opinion, the patient may “ go see another medical team ” Or “ proceed with appeals “.
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Even if this act can be compared to a form of assisted suicide, the president assures that he wanted to avoid this term, or that of euthanasia, because the “ consent » of the patient is essential and “ medical decision has its role to play “, “ with precise criteria “.