Monday, November 30, 2009

Euthanasia bill defeated in France


At a time when many governments are endeavouring to legalise euthanasia – sometimes by the back door – it is very heartening to learn that a bill to legalise euthanasia in France has been rejected by a strong majority of 326 to 202 votes in that country’s National Assembly. Life Site News reports that the proposed bill, presented by a member of the Socialist Party, describes euthanasia as ‘medical assistance to die with dignity’. The language contained in the bill has been strongly criticised by groups fighting the legalisation of euthanasia, who say that it could lead to patients suffering from mental illnesses, such as depression, being at risk of medically approved suicide.