The citizens' convention on the end of life has issued its report
The 184 citizens chosen at random to answer the question: "Is the framework for end-of-life support adapted to the different situations encountered, or should changes be introduced?" presented their conclusions at the end of 9 working sessions and 27 days of debate organized by the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE).
The members of the citizens' convention consider that the current framework for end-of-life support is not adapted to the various situations encountered, and wish to improve it. They are in favor of opening up access to active assistance in dying, in certain situations, provided that the conditions of access, safeguards and control mechanisms are clearly defined.
With regard to research, the report recommends stepping up the research and development effort to better manage suffering.
In particular, the citizens' convention proposes:
- Strengthen resources dedicated to research and development, particularly basic and public research, to, on the one hand, develop methods for assessing situations of pain and suffering and, on the other, increase research into future treatments likely to reduce patients' suffering.
- Encourage calls for research and development projects on end-of-life issues.
- Set up statistical studies on end-of-life conditions.
It also advocates enhancing the value of the university palliative care pathway via the reinforcement of university degrees and the creation of university positions (teacher-researchers and hospital practitioners).
For more information:
https://conventioncitoyennesurlafindevie.lecese.fr/