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:

“Legalized euthanasia might lead us to dangerous excesses and would be contrary to our understanding of the dignity of human beings. The Leonetti law is perfectly balanced, establishing a principle, that of respect for life. It leaves room for a dialogue between the patient, his family and his physician. This demonstrates understanding and humanity. We do not have to legislate everything all the time.”

His opponent, François Hollande, a Socialist, recently revived France’s simmering  euthanasia debate in a TV interview. A spokesman told Reuters that the exact protocols had not been worked out yet. ~ BioEdge, Feb 1