France passes right-to-die law

This is a wonderful distinction. A new law in France isn't euthanasia.

The new law will enable the terminally ill or those with no hope of recovery to refuse treatment in favor of death. Doctors will be allowed to administer painkillers even if their secondary effects include shortening patients' lives. But the law does not allow mercy killings.

Only the French could parse truth without any evidence of shame.

From the CBC:

"The ban on giving death remains," Health Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said Wednesday, after the overnight debate. "Allowing death is not the same as giving death."

The thin rationale?

Under the new law, people with terminal diseases or those with no hope of recovery from serious medical conditions can refuse treatment without fear of state intervention or prosecution.

As though thousands are prosecuted for their refusal of treatment.