Belgium about to conquer France
In the health programs of the presidential candidates, certain proposals achieve consensus. This is the case of the reinforcement of the means allocated to nursing homes, or even the increase in hospital staff. Others, on the other hand, are more controversial. This is the case of euthanasia, a political object which has not lost its inflammable nature over the years. This does not prevent several suitors for the Élysée, including Jean-Luc Mélenchon, Anne Hidalgo or Yannick Jadot, from wanting to legalize it. Emmanuel Macron, for his part, is considering a citizens’ convention on the subject. This makes you want to see how things are going in Belgium, where euthanasia has been authorized since 2002.
What is the framework that our northern neighbors have given to medical assistance in dying? What is the patient journey? Who are the doctors involved in this practice? Why is the question still largely taboo among French doctors? So many questions that we try to answer in the new episode ofIn Good Carethe podcast of what’s up doc who examines health policies. To do this, we prefer sociologist Philippe Bataille, director of studies at the Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales (EHESS) and specialist in patient rights issues.
So, what lessons can candidates draw from 20 years of Belgian experience in euthanasia? Philippe Bataille tells you more in the podcast. And to go further, you can read his books on the subject: