Pratiques soignantes et dépénalisation de l'euthanasie

And if… if decriminalization of euthanasia was passed in France. In the current political and social context, is it not imperative that practitioners of palliative care consider the sociological, anthropological and philosophical implications of their work if euthanasia becomes legal? As doctors working in public institutions, we have created a working group to develop, not answers, but ways to think about this complex question. In the course of this project, we have identified four main points, which could serve as guidelines for future discussions if the legislature takes the initiative to decriminalize euthanasia. The first point of concern relates to the clinic. Indeed, before an ethical issue, the request for euthanasia is a clinical issue. We would need to develop personnel and collective skills to listen to and take care of a person who asks us to put an end to his or her life. The second point highlights an ethic foundation based on compromise. Can we, in a pluralistic society, build compromise that results in a civil understanding between the doctor and the patient? In a third point, we address more directly the question of transgression. Indeed, for us, the possible decriminalization of existing law would not change the fact of transgression. Even if the law would remove penalties, homicide would remain a transgressive act. However, can we, under exceptional clinical circumstances, ever argue in favor of transgression from an ethical perspective? Finally, the fourth point deals with the theme of rupture. An important focus of palliative care is the emphasis on the importance of the doctor/patient relationship. But in the event that the legislature would take responsibility for the decriminalization of euthanasia, is it possible to consider, under certain circumstances, that there would be a rupture for some sick people in their relationship with their doctors and eventually with other hospital units or institutions?