The College of Physicians Opposes the Participation of Physicians in Euthanasia

Maybe, but without us. It is essentially a message passed on by the Order of Physicians saying that it is “unfavourable” for physicians to be able to participate in a “process that will lead to euthanasia” if end-of-life legislation changes. at the end of the consultation, the conclusions of which he published on Saturday.

After nine months of reflection by the councils of departments and regions, the Order of Physicians speaks out as the congress of citizens on the end of life completes its work. It is likely that on Sunday she will recommend the legalization of “active assistance to the dying”, it is not yet known what the intentions of the President of the Republic on this issue are.

The preamble of the Order of Physicians states that “any possibility of establishing an active procedure for assistance at death for minors and people unable to express their will is unfavorable.”

In the event of amendments to the legislation in the direction of legalizing active assistance to dying (euthanasia and / or assistance in suicide), “the participation of a doctor in the process leading to euthanasia will be unfavorable, the doctor cannot intentionally provoke death by administering a lethal drug.”

Doctors demand conscience clause

In the case of legalization of assisted suicide, the Order requires a separate provision on conscience “which may be released at any time during the procedure”, but without preventing the doctor claiming this from continuing to monitor his patient. For the Order, “assessment, decision on eligibility for active care at death and responsibility must be collegiate”, and the attending or referring physician “must be systematically a member” of this college, unless he invokes the clause on his conscience.

If he is “unfavorable to the active participation of the doctor while the patient is taking a deadly product”, he believes that he should be able to follow him until the last minutes of his life, if he has not established his position of consciousness. Finally, the Order believes that “the law should protect the doctor involved in the procedure of active assistance to the dying.”

With the current state of legislation, the Order “deems it necessary to allow a more effective application of the Klais-Leonetti law” which bans euthanasia and assisted suicide but allows “deep and continuous sedation to death in certain cases, and says it is particularly willing to contribute” in the development of palliative and supportive care. In February, 167 citizens gathered to think about end-of-life assistance called for a change in the law in favor of assisted suicide or euthanasia.