Ahead of a key Senate debate on France’s proposed “assisted dying” law, the country’s Catholic bishops are renewing their strong opposition, insisting that, in their words, “we do not care for life by giving death.”
In a 15 January statement, bishops said current French law already offers a humane path at the end of life, allowing patients to refuse futile treatment and receive palliative care, including deep sedation in extreme cases.
They argued this approach respects both human dignity and the duty to accompany life until its natural end. The bishops warned that legalizing assisted dying would undermine that balance, especially when access to palliative care remains uneven.
Nearly a quarter of needs go unmet nationwide, they noted, with some regions lacking adequate services.
Catholic hospitals and care homes have also voiced concern about being forced to comply with the law against their conscience.
President Emmanuel Macron has called the bill “law of fraternity,” but the bishops said that “fraternity, a core value of our Republic, does not consist of hastening the death of those who suffer or forcing caregivers to cause it,” but means “never abandoning those who are living through these incredibly difficult and painful moments.” The Senate is to vote 28 January.
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