CNA Staff, Jun 11, 2024 / 12:45 pm (CNA).
France’s controversial euthanasia bill has been put on hold following French President Emmanuel Macron’s dissolution of the country’s National Assembly after major losses in this month’s European elections.
The June elections in the European Parliament saw major advances from right-of-center parties, including from France’s National Rally party, which made huge gains relative to Macron’s Renaissance party.
Centrist groups still command a majority in the continental parliament. But the results were devastating enough to mainstream politicians that Macron invoked French law to dissolve his own country’s National Assembly in order to hold “snap elections” in the hopes of shoring up centrist control of France itself.
The surprise move means all legislation currently under consideration in France has been put on hold, including the country’s controversial assisted suicide bill, which Macron earlier this year said might allow “the possibility of asking for help in dying under certain strict conditions.”
The French bishops had criticized the country’s efforts to legalize assisted suicide. Reims Archbishop Éric de Moulins-Beaufort said earlier this year that the measure would “shift our entire health care system toward death as a solution.”
Lille Archbishop Laurent Le Boulc’h likewise warned that assisted suicide could hasten the death of individuals who see themselves as burdens upon others, arguing that the proposal risks “further increasing the depressed character of our society in loss of hope.”
Numerous European countries, including Belgium and the Netherlands, already allow various forms of assisted suicide and euthanasia.
France’s surprise parliamentary elections will be held in two rounds on June 30 and July 7.
If you value the news and views Catholic World Report provides, please consider donating to support our efforts. Your contribution will help us continue to make CWR available to all readers worldwide for free, without a subscription. Thank you for your generosity!
Click here for more information on donating to CWR. Click here to sign up for our newsletter.
First good news out of France in a long time!
The Catholic Church has a strong stance against euthanasia, considering it morally unacceptable and a grave offense against human dignity. In its teachings, the Church emphasizes the importance of preserving life, even in the face of suffering or terminal illness. Those who are considering euthanasia should carefully consider the moral implications of their actions and the potential consequences for their soul. As an alternative, individuals can leave posthumous messages on sites such as Goodbyememo, allowing them to express their thoughts and feelings in a way that respects their dignity and the dignity of others. This approach can provide a sense of closure and peace for both the individual and their loved ones, while also upholding the Church’s values of compassion and respect for human life.