End-of-Life Legislation in France: Macron's Initiative

French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled plans to introduce legislation on end-of-life matters to the Council of Ministers in April. This proposed bill aims to provide a legal framework for "aid in dying," offering a regulated pathway for individuals facing terminal illnesses. Macron emphasized that the law would establish precise criteria and safeguards to ensure that medical decisions play a central role in the process.

Under the proposed legislation, only individuals aged 18 and above, capable of making autonomous decisions, would be eligible for consideration, as reported by France24. Macron clarified that those with severe psychiatric conditions or neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease would be excluded from the process. Prospective patients would need to reaffirm their decision after a 48-hour period, following which a medical team would respond within two weeks. Subsequently, a doctor would issue a prescription for lethal medication, valid for three months.

The terminology used in the proposed bill is deliberate, with Macron opting for "aid in dying" rather than the contentious terms "euthanasia" or "medically assisted suicide." This choice reflects the nuanced distinctions between these practices, with euthanasia referring to a situation where, under specific legal circumstances, a doctor can bring about the end of a person's life using painless methods, provided both the individual and their family consent to this decision. Assisted suicide, on the other hand, occurs when a doctor aids an individual in ending their own life, typically by providing the means for them to do so, at the request of the person involved, as reported by Medical News Today.

While Macron did not specify an implementation date for the legislation, he outlined a forthcoming months-long legislative process expected to commence in May. This process will involve thorough deliberation and debate to address various perspectives and concerns, reports France24.

In Mexico, euthanasia and assisted suicide remain prohibited; however, individuals have recourse under the Law of Anticipated Will. This legislation, ratified in 14 states, grants individuals the autonomy to either undergo or decline medical treatments and procedures upon diagnosis of an advanced or terminal illness, as reported by Mexico’s National Institute for Older Adults (INAPAM). Mexico City led the way in passing this law, which is enshrined in Chapter XXIX of its Health Law.

According to data from Mexico City, certain demographics show a pronounced interest in securing a dignified death when faced with terminal illness, as outlined by INAPAM. Women, unmarried individuals, and older persons comprise a significant portion of those seeking advance directives. Notably, 60% of requests are signed by individuals aged 61 to 80, with women accounting for 64% of signatories.