François Bayrou’s recent remarks on euthanasia during an LCI appearance sparked controversy, particularly his inaccurate claim that Belgian minors can access euthanasia due to emotional distress. Belgian experts clarified that the law only allows terminally ill minors to request assistance in dying, with strict criteria and parental consent required. Since its 2014 implementation, only six minors have received such assistance. Criticism of Bayrou’s statements came from various figures, including former Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo, who highlighted the compassionate care provided under the law.
François Bayrou’s Controversial Remarks on Euthanasia
During his appearance on LCI, François Bayrou touched on various pressing issues such as the national budget, immigration, and juvenile justice. Among these discussions, he brought up an upcoming law concerning end-of-life matters, which will be split into two distinct categories: palliative care and assisted dying. This prompted the Prime Minister to share his personal reservations about euthanasia, referencing the practices observed in Belgium. He controversially stated that adolescents in Belgium have received assistance in dying merely because they were experiencing emotional distress, a claim that lacks accuracy.
Clarifications from Belgian Experts on Euthanasia Law
Contrary to Bayrou’s assertions, Belgian law does not permit minors to undergo euthanasia based on psychiatric conditions. In response to the Prime Minister’s comments, Jonathan Denis, president of the Association for the Right to Die with Dignity (ADMD), expressed his discontent, accusing Bayrou of distorting the debate surrounding end-of-life issues, particularly by citing Belgium as an example.
To better understand the application of the law in Belgium, TF1info consulted Jacqueline Herremans, the president of the Belgian ADMD and co-chair of the evaluation and control commission for euthanasia laws. She clarified that the legislation was modified in 2014 to allow minors to seek assistance in dying, but emphasized that this provision does not encompass psychiatric conditions for those under 18. Instead, it is strictly limited to children suffering from incurable diseases and facing a short life expectancy.
Herremans explained that the life expectancy of these children is measured in days, weeks, or months, never in years. Only those with severe medical conditions, such as certain cancers or neurological disorders, qualify for consideration. Furthermore, the process requires the assessment of the child’s capacity for discernment, confirmed by a child psychiatrist or psychologist, along with parental consent. If either parent opposes the request, the process halts immediately.
Since the law’s implementation, only six minors have been recorded as having received assistance in dying, all of whom suffered from incurable illnesses. In contrast, while psychiatric conditions can be cited by adults seeking euthanasia, they represent a small fraction of the overall cases. In 2023 alone, of the 3,423 euthanasia procedures performed, just 48 were related to psychiatric reasons, highlighting the complexity of these situations, which often require extensive consultations with multiple health professionals.
Jacqueline Herremans believes that the topic of euthanasia is sensitive and that individuals should have the freedom to oppose it if they choose. She expressed concern about the rampant misinformation surrounding the public discourse on this issue. Criticism also came from former Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo, who labeled Bayrou’s remarks as “astonishing and disconnected from reality,” emphasizing the dedication and compassion with which caregivers in Belgium implement the 2014 law.
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