As the French National Assembly prepares to discuss a law on the right to die, Dr. Jean Gauthier, a cardiologist and researcher, is raising concerns about the lack of palliative care. He believes that strengthening family support for patients at the end of life is essential. He urges caregivers and families not to give in to what he calls the “culture of waste.”
Dr. Gauthier has faced the issue of euthanasia personally. His first experience was with his father, who requested it. He reluctantly agreed to a passive euthanasia, using high doses of morphine. He later regretted this decision, feeling that he might have taken away precious time from his father. In contrast, he did not agree to his mother’s request when she was suffering from cancer. He believes that as the law stands, doctors will have to make these tough decisions alone, which he finds worrying, especially when he thinks that improving palliative care could reduce requests for assisted dying.
In France, the availability of palliative care is concerning. Dr. Gauthier points out that there are many more people who need care than there are resources available. While about 150,000 people currently receive palliative care, estimates suggest that in the future, around 1 million will need it. This means more people will require help at home, and families will have to step in more. He emphasizes that families need to get closer and work together, as the traditional family structure is changing, with relatives often living far apart.
He also notes that families dealing with disabilities often feel unprepared and overwhelmed. Single-parent families struggle significantly, and even larger families may not be well-organized. The government should focus on providing more support, not just laws. He believes that families should receive financial help to support their loved ones, especially those who are at the end of their lives.
Dr. Gauthier has seen many patients come back to the hospital repeatedly, and he has witnessed how families react. Sometimes, families unite to care for the patient; other times, they become distant and disheartened. He has observed that the desire for euthanasia often correlates with a lack of family support. Patients sometimes feel like a burden and may even ask to stop treatment to avoid being a hassle for their loved ones.
To change the mindset surrounding this “culture of waste,” Dr. Gauthier stresses the importance of families preparing for the end of life together. They should discuss how they can support one another and avoid falling into gender discrimination in their roles. Families need to work as a team, integrating help from outside caregivers and volunteers. He points out that nowadays, people often interact more on social media than with their actual family. He argues that the solution is not simply to pass laws but to focus on healing family connections, which are at the heart of the matter for many people.
This article has been translated and simplified by artificial intelligence from a French article “Fin de vie : « c’est le renforcement du noyau familial auprès des patients qui va être la solution »”
It may therefore contain errors. The French version is the reference version..