France

French presidential candidate backs euthanasia

Michael Cook | 31 January 2012

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.

French doctor allegedly killed four elderly patients

Michael Cook | 20 August 2011

In a case which has gripped France, a doctor has been released on bail after being charged with the euthanasia deaths of four elderly people.

France finally updates its bioethics

Michael Cook | 25 June 2011

France will soon have a new bioethics law. After months of debate, by a vote of 170 to 157, the Senate approved a bill which offers something for each side of the debate.

Children of surrogate mothers are not French, court rules

Michael Cook | 09 April 2011

A drama surrounding twins born overseas to a surrogate mother has raised hopes of legalising surrogacy in France. The nation’s highest court this week denied citizenship to twin girls, the children of Dominique and Sylvie Mennesson. They were born in 2000 to a surrogate mother in California from sperm from Mr Mennesson and a donated egg from a friend of Mrs Mennesson. A San Diego court decided that the girls had French citizenship under state laws.

French Senate rejects euthanasia

Michael Cook | 02 February 2011

Thoughtful opposition in France

Did a French nurse euthanase patients?

Michael Cook | 03 December 2010

No big deal for radio talk-back

We need a “citizen’s bioethics”, say French parliamentarians

Michael Cook | 06 November 2010

Open letter calls for Parliament to reassert control

Locked-in syndrome woman receives Legion of Honour

Michael Cook | 31 October 2010

French still pondering new bioethics law

Michael Cook | 31 July 2010

National Assembly to consider 95 proposals

French Assembly rejects euthanasia

Michael Cook | 05 December 2009

Luc Ferry opposes utilitarian approach