My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.
France’s lower house of parliament has passed a bill allowing terminally ill patients to choose to end their lives with medical assistance, Yonhap News Agency reported on the 16th, citing The New York Times.
France’s National Assembly, the country’s lower house, gave final approval on June 15 to the “bill on the right to assisted suicide,” with 291 lawmakers voting in favor and 241 against.
The vote overturned the Senate’s rejection of the bill. Under the French Constitution, when the two chambers fail to reach an agreement, the directly elected lower house has the final authority to decide.
The bill allows adult patients suffering from severe and incurable conditions to directly administer a lethal substance after a 15-day assessment period and a minimum two-day reflection period. If patients are unable to administer the substance themselves, medical professionals may assist.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the passage fulfilled his campaign promise. However, religious groups and some medical professionals have strongly opposed the measure.
According to local media reports, about 4,000 people gathered in Paris last month to protest against the legalization of assisted suicide. The final approval of the bill will depend on the decision of France’s Constitutional Council. (Source: Gospel Prayer News, Edited version)
But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. (Proverbs 4:19-20, NIV)
God, have mercy on France and shine Your light upon this nation as it moves toward legalizing assisted suicide. Open the eyes of those who are deceived by this path, and lead them to return to You, the Author of life, and receive eternal life. At this critical time, awaken the Church in France to rise up in prayer and stand against every effort that opposes Your will. May the people of France honor You as the Lord of life and follow Your Word alone.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
