Former French President Euthanized?

Bit of a dust-up in France after allegations that former President Mitterand was euthanized. Interesting seeing that assisted suicide and euthanasia are heated debate topics in the current run-up to the next French presidential elections.

'Ex-French prez Mitterrand's death was by euthanasia'

Former French President Francois Mitterrand was given a fatal intravenous injection to end his life at his own request, according to a new book.

Mitterrand died in his 80s in 1996 after suffering from cancer for fifteen years, but his illness remained a closely guarded secret while he was alive.

A book written by two French journalists, Denis Demonpion and Laurent Leger, has now revealed that the president's personal doctor Claude Gubler said Mitterrand suffered from cancer during the whole of his presidency and that in his last year in power he was "incapable of carrying out his duties". more

Assisted Suicide Becomes Part of French Election Debate

Assisted suicide has become a factor in the upcoming French election with some challengers to President Sarkozy calling for legalization of assisted suicide. Now everyday pro-deathers are joining in.

Protesters call on candidates to change euthanasia laws

A French organisation led up to 2,000 members in protest in Paris on Saturday, to fight for the right to die in dignity. The group is calling for changes to French laws to legalise euthanasia. An opposing organisation held their own protest across town, against the practice.

The ADMD, which counts 48,000 members across France, organised the protest at the Republique square in the east of Paris.

A band of trumpets and tubas rang out, as demonstrators made their way to the nearby Cirque d’hiver for an organised meeting.

There, presidential candidates Jean-Luc Melanchon and Eva Joly were on the bill to speak in support of assisted suicide.

The ADMD called the demonstration to alert Paris’s Elysee Palace that they want euthanasia to be made legal in France, ahead of the presidential elections in April and May. more

French Pro-Death Lobby Goes After Sarkozy

You’ve got to give the pro-death lobby their due – they are quite creative. One group in France, where euthanasia has come up between the two presidential candidates, has created pictures of what President Sarkozy would look like on his deathbed.

Sarkozy deathbed picture shock

SHOCK images of presidential candidates on their deathbeds are being used by a euthanasia group to highlight its campaign for a dignified end to life.

The mocked-up photos show Nicolas Sarkozy, the MoDem's François Bayrou and Marine Le Pen of the Front National on hospital beds, attached to life-saving equipment. It asks: "Do we have to put you in this position to change your position on euthanasia?" more

France: Sarkozy Rival Changes Tune On Euthanasia

Hard on the heels of President Sarkozy saying he opposes euthanasia and would run on that platform in the next French election, his rival has had to back away from endorsing euthanasia for the French.

French socialist presidential candidate retreats under fire from pro-euthanasia

France’s socialist opposition candidate for the nation’s presidential elections in April seems to be backing off from his stated position in favor of legalizing euthanasia, after his opponents attacked his position.

On Saturday, Socialist and Radical Left Party candidate Francois Hollande gave an interview to the French magazine Marianne, claiming that he is now “not favorable” to the legalization of euthanasia. However, he added that he is “for the right to die with dignity.” more

France: Sarkozy Against The Pro-Death Agenda

On this issue, let’s hope President Sarkozy is reelected.

Sarkozy draws line in sand over euthanasia

The two candidates in France’s presidential election are using euthanasia as one of the defining differences in the campaign. In a wide-ranging interview in Le Figaro, President Nicolas Sarkozy explained why he would not back it: more

French President Wanna-Be Embraces Euthanasia

Just what we need in Europe - more prominent politicians being OK with euthanasia.

French presidential candidate backs euthanasia

The left-wing candidate in the French presidential election has strongly endorsed the legalisation of euthanasia if he is elected. François Hollande, a Socialist, who will face the incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy, recently revived France’s simmering  euthanasia debate. more