French Parliament debates legalization of terminal sedation

‘France’s Parliament started debate Tuesday on a bill aimed at allowing doctors to keep terminally ill patients sedated until death comes, amid national debate about whether to legalize euthanasia.

The proposed bill — backed by the Socialist government — stops short of recommending lethal injections and avoids the terms euthanasia or assisted suicide.

Prime minister Manuel Valls praised “a reform that proclaims the right to die peacefully, in dignity and without suffering,” in a speech at France’s lower house of Parliament.’

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