The National Assembly backed the bill, but the law supported by President Macron may not be passed before 2027. Evangelicals among those who warn against the “removal of basic protections” for human dignity.

Evangelicals in France have been reflecting for years on the dignity of people at the end of their lives. Thierry Le Gall, who works with the CNEF in political circles, explains his point of view on the new assisted suicide law that is about to be voted on.

Scottish parliament will hold a first vote on 13 May. Christians are calling for the voices of palliative care doctors, people with disabilities and the most vulnerable to be heard.

As the Evangelical Alliance United Kingdom we are vehemently opposed to this bill and communicated as such. We are speaking with MPs and write submission to the parliament committee.

While the Westminster Parliament in London debates a similar initiative for the UK, the island of 84,000 inhabitants has approved its own law, which Christian organisations oppose.

Parliament voted to advance the Bill by 330 votes to 275. “This is te biggest proposed change to our social fabric in a generation”, Christians say.

Several people were arrested after an American woman died in the so called ‘Sarco’ capsule. The Swiss interior minister says it is not legally compliant.

The National Evangelical Council of France describes the new draft law as an “attack on humanity” as it puts pressure on “socially fragile people who feel a kind of duty to leave life”.

The government wants “a balance between opening up this new right to the French people and the legitimate concerns of professionals”.

“The bill will result in human life being valued on its efficiency and utility, and increase pressure on the vulnerable”, religious leaders say.

The final law is passed despite the veto of the republic’s president. Half of the population is against, including Christian doctors.

Almost 3,000 people requested euthanasia in 2022. Most were over 70 and had terminal cancer, but 17% “were not expected to die in the foreseeable future”, says official report.

According to a report from the OPG, one year after its approval, the most common reason given for requesting assisted suicide is fear of existential suffering in the future.

The Portuguese Evangelical Alliance laments that there was neither a broad “philosophical, social and religious” conversation nor enough guarantees of “palliative and social care”. The parliament passed a third version of the text in December.

“The right to kill cannot become a supra-legislative rule, a constitutional right”, said organisers of the march for life.

Half of the population is against the law, including Roman Catholics and evangelical Christians.

Two Protestant groups underline the need for more palliative care, but differ in their evaluation of a recent National Ethics Committe report. A new law could be approved in 2023.

Christians agree that “suicide should not be seen as a normal form of dying in society”. A new law is expected before the end of 2022.

Assisted suicide is being discussed in the Parliament. “If assisted suicide became normal, that would have consequences”, MPs say. Christians support the proposal.

The Bill aims to allow assisted suicide for those over 75 who do not qualify to apply for euthanasia. “Government has a duty to protect its citizens”, Council says.

A report shows that there were 2,699 deaths from euthanasia in 2021, an increase of 10.39%. Most of them were performed at home to patients over 70.

A report compares suicide rates in countries where euthanasia is legal, with those where it is not. “Legalizing euthanasia will not help prevent suicide”, it says.

The law is expected to be passed in the next weeks. Evangelical churches express their total opposition.

The draft law is being debated in House of Lords. “Any change would threaten society’s ability to safeguard vulnerable patients from abuse”, doctors say.

“No one should wish to die due to lack of palliative care”, Spanish health workers say, while they denounce their “defencelessness”.