End of life: ethics, legislation & practices

The Intervention et Développement Social alumni association, supported by students from Aix-Marseille Université's IDS Master's program, is organizing a day of discussion and reflection on end-of-life support and the issues involved.

This symposium will begin with an overview of French end-of-life legislation. The evolution of laws since 2005 and subsequent reforms will be explained in detail in order to better grasp the current framework. This will be followed by a discussion of the alternatives available in other countries, in particular euthanasia and assisted suicide. Several countries will be studied to compare the legislative frameworks, medical practices and ethical considerations associated with these choices. A presentation by several professionals will then take place to discuss the specificities linked to end-of-life support for people with disabilities.

The afternoon will be devoted to sharing experiences, from the point of view of three witnesses. Indeed, a psychologist, a family caregiver as well as a carer will testify to the realities experienced when faced with the end of life. To punctuate this first part of the symposium, professionals in the field will present new approaches to supporting people at the end of life, as well as advances in pain management and family support. The symposium will conclude with a time for exchange by the public, allowing questions to be asked and the day's lessons to be revisited.

The main topics addressed will therefore revolve around legislation, ethics (applied and theoretical), alternatives abroad, specificities concerning people with disabilities, testimonials (caregiver, psychologist, ethicist) and then innovations in end-of-life support.

Contact:
asso.alumniids@gmail.com
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