France to open debate meant to broaden end-of-life options

PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a national debate meant to broaden end-of-life options. The debate will include exploring the possibility of legalizing euthanasia, with the aim to implement changes next year. The current 2016 law in France provides that doctors can keep terminally ill patients sedated until death comes, but stops short of legalizing euthanasia or assisted suicide. Macron said in a written statement that a body composed of citizens will work on the issue in the coming months in coordination with health care workers, while local debates are to be organized in French regions. The government will in parallel discuss with lawmakers from all political parties in order to find the broadest consensus.