The French Parliament approved a bill on Thursday that establishes the right to euthanasia and assisted suicide. The law was passed with 291 votes in favor and 241 against.
The French Parliament approved a bill on Thursday that establishes the right to euthanasia and assisted suicide. The law was passed with 291 votes in favor and 241 against.
The public health agency reported a significant increase in deaths in France, noting a rise of 29.1%, equivalent to an additional 2025 deaths compared to the previous week. The agency also emphasized that the initial estimate was likely underestimated.
The mortality assessment is based solely on electronic death certificates, which account for just over half of all deaths in the country. However, a 30% change better reflects the scale of health consequences caused by the heatwave that hit France for about ten days and proved exceptional, including the three hottest days in the country's history.
The most noticeable trend is observed in the Île-de-France region (Paris region), where mortality increased by more than 62% in the last week. A similar increase was noted in the Loire region (west). Previously, Santé publique France had reported one thousand additional deaths compared to the norm, but this figure only covered the end of the week, whereas the new report covers the entire week, despite the severe heat having started several days earlier.
Health Minister Stéphanie Rist stated on the TF1 channel that it is crucial to note that among these 2025 deaths, there is a 91% increase in home deaths compared to the previous week. The historical heatwave at the end of June created conditions in many residences that were difficult to endure.
Clashes and disputes occurred in stores on Thursday after the sale of 200,000 fans and air conditioners began. According to the SOS Médecins organization, cases of heatstroke and dehydration increased six and four times, respectively, across all age groups. Health authorities and the government have been drawing public attention to the issue of home mortality during heatwaves for several days. It should be noted that the 2003 heatwave led to the death of 15,000 people in France, mainly elderly people, many of whom were in nursing homes with medical care (Ehpad) and at home.
