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French President Emmanuel Macron wants to make active euthanasia possible in France under certain conditions.

A corresponding bill will be submitted to the French parliament in May, Macron announced in an interview with the newspapers “Libération” and “La Croix” (Monday edition). According to the text, adult, completely healthy people with an incurable and life-threatening disease in the short or medium term, the pain of which cannot be relieved, should be able to request euthanasia.

After a two-day waiting period, patients should receive a response to their request within two weeks. Ultimately, if possible, they should administer the necessary lethal drugs to themselves.

Euthanasia is a controversial topic in France. Active euthanasia, that is, administering a lethal drug to a person, is prohibited. Passive euthanasia by switching off devices and indirect euthanasia, in which strong medication relieves pain and hastens death as a side effect, are permitted.

Macron had actually already announced a surcharge for an end-of-life law text for last fall. This was preceded by a long process with citizen participation. A citizens’ convention convened by a majority voted in favor of clearing the way to active euthanasia. The French Ethics Council also stated that the ethical use of active euthanasia is conceivable under certain strict conditions. (rbu/sda/dpa)