France takes first step toward medically-assisted suicide

Professor Didier Sicard speaks to the media about a report on euthanasia and assisted suicide after a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris December 18, 2012. REUTERS photo

A government-commissioned report released on Tuesday has recommended that France allow doctors to “accelerate death” for terminally-ill patients who want to end their lives.

French people overwhelmingly support medically-assisted suicide, with an October poll showing 89% in favour.

Examining the case for medically-assisted suicide was a campaign pledge made by French President François Hollande ahead of his election in May 2012.

Hollande pledged to act on the recommendations of the government-commissioned report, which will be referred to a national council on medical ethics that will examine the precise circumstances under which doctors can assist in ending a patient’s life.


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