The French want to change the law on the LDCS, the GPA, euthanasia and genetic manipulations

Alexmit/epictura

Published the 03.01.2018 at 16h24

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Keywords :

bioéthiquePMAGPAeuthanasieembryon

In the perspective of the states general of bioethics, which must be held during the 1st quarter of 2018, prior to the revision of the law on bioethics, an Ifop poll carried out by The Cross reveals the profound changes of attitudes on the subjects of the LDCS, the GPA, euthanasia and genetic manipulation on the human embryo.

A strong evolution on the reproductive issues

Six out of 10 French say they support the extension of the right to the LDCS for couples of homosexual women, a clear evolution compared to 2013 where they were only 47%. In addition, 57% are favourable for single women.
The detailed analysis of the questionnaire reveals that there is no major differences depending on the ages and political preferences. Regarding the surrogacy (GPA), 64% of the French would be in favour, 46% of whom for medical reasons, and 18% in all cases.

The legalization of euthanasia

Regarding the end of life, 47% of French people think that it is necessary to legalize euthanasia, 24% that it is necessary to legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide, and 18% that it should be legalize only assisted suicide. In the end, only 11% of the French are opposed to change.
In the survey, euthanasia is defined as the ” possibility for a patient suffering from an incurable disease to ask a doctor to end his days “. With regard to assisted suicide, it is defined as ” the possibility of a third party to deliver a product lethal to the one who wishes to put an end to these days “.

Genetic Manipulations and under the condition

Before the birth, and when it comes to curing the most serious diseases, 80% of the French agree to the genetic manipulation of human embryos.
By contrast, if it is to improve some features, such as the size and the color of the eyes, of the child to be born, 78% are opposed to it.
They are, moreover, 90 % stated that gamete donation must remain free and 80 % declare themselves in favour of its anonymity.

A participative website

A dedicated website should be launched soon in order to collect the opinions of French citizens, those of learned societies and associations. Mid-January would be the date informal for kick-off of the states general, which are intended to lead the July 7, 2018, the anniversary of the law on bioethics of 7 July 2011.
The inter-ministerial preparation of the draft law should be held in parallel with the conduct of the states general, in order to finalise it over the summer and submit it to parliament in the autumn.

According to experts, the overall results of the survey is the result of a decline in the influence of religion and of a mounted of individualism : everyone wants to now live his life and take decisions as it sees fit.