The proposed euthanasia law is extremely dangerous. Among its provisions, it would require Catholic institutions to perform euthanasia, under penalty of criminal prosecution.

This is a very serious attack on the freedom of Catholic retirement homes and healthcare institutions. For these congregations, it is impossible to accept the practice of euthanasia on the people entrusted to their care.

As a result, these institutions could lose their public funding, and their directors could even be convicted of obstruction, facing a two-year prison sentence and a €30,000 fine.

Can we imagine a nun going to prison in France for refusing to euthanize one of her patients or residents? Yet that is what the proposed law provides for.

To denounce this risk—and the bill as a whole—a collective of hospital congregations, supported by renowned lawyers, published an op-ed in Le Figaro, at the initiative of the ECLJ. This is a cry of alarm that we invite you to share with those around you, especially elected officials.

📨Send this appeal by email and on social media to your elected officials and journalists you know. (Senators' email addresses are available here).

The French bill is the most repressive in the world!

No country that has legalized euthanasia explicitly requires private institutions to practice euthanasia and imposes criminal penalties for failure to comply. To demonstrate the radical, freedom-destroying nature of the French bill and the need to protect the freedom of private institutions, I wrote another opinion piece, published in La Croix. In it, I describe the sometimes dramatic fate of Catholic institutions in countries that have legalized euthanasia. In Belgium, some institutions have been secularized, while others in Canada are facing legal action. Conversely, other countries, such as the Netherlands and New Zealand, respect the freedom of private healthcare institutions.

In these forums, we want to convince lawmakers of the need to respect the freedom of conscience and religion of Catholic institutions. This freedom exists in international law, but it must be claimed and defended.

On December 11, Sister Agnes, a nun and doctor with the Little Sisters of the Poor, had the courage to speak out, sounding the alarm on Radio Notre Dame and RCF. It takes courage, because private healthcare institutions are largely funded by the state. Her message is extremely powerful, and we invite you to listen to it and share it as widely as possible.

These nuns have given their lives to help us in times of hardship and old age. They need our help to alert lawmakers and defend their freedom.

Their very existence is at stake. There is still time to do so, so let's not hesitate.

Write to your senators and representatives.