Discourse on End-of-Life Matters: Divergence Among MEPs Regarding Incorporation of Death Studies in School Education
Revamped Version:
Schools across France might soon find death in their lesson plans, as a new bill proposes to introduce discussions on the life cycle, including death, in primary and secondary schools. This controversial bill is set to be debated on May 14, but it's dividing parliamentarians, as reported by France Inter.
Reasons for and Against Discussing Death in School
While many find this proposal necessary, Agnès Firmin-Le Bodo, deputy of Seine-Maritime, believes discussions on death should be initiated in classrooms. She shares that students often avoid the subject of death due to lack of dialogue, despite more children being confronted with it. "It's essential to help students understand that death is a natural part of our life journey," she explains. On the other hand, opponents argue that the proposal could overburden the education system and pose ethical concerns for children.
Potential Burden on the Education System and Ethical Concerns
Critics, such as the deputy of National Rally, Julien Odoul, worry about volunteers from secular, apolitical associations being part of these sessions. "These associations might present biased information to children, either for or against euthanasia," he says. Questions regarding potential overloads on the education system and priorities have also been raised, with concerns that schools might become a one-stop solution for various societal issues.
Insights:
Currently, discussions on life and death sessions in French schools are limited to the proposed bill, with broader debates centered around end-of-life care, including assisted suicide and palliative care. The French government is divided on the creation of a "right to aid in dying," with some ministers supporting the bill and others vehemently opposing it[2][3]. Wider discussions on end-of-life issues in the parliament might indirectly impact educational policies but not specifically address a formal school curriculum about life and death at this time.
[2] La France perd toujours des vies à cause du manque de soins palliatifs: le mouvement Pour un droit à l'euthanasie est-il marginé? : https://www.lemonde.fr/france/article/2021/02/05/la-france-perd-toujours-des-vies-du-maniaque-de-soins-palliatifs-le-mouvement-pour-un-droit-a-l-euthanasie-est-il-margin-e_6066717_3210.html
[3] Le texte de la loi sur l'aide aux malades terminaux dorénavant est adopté au Sénat. Ce que cela signifie pour de véritables évolutions ce que cela signifie pour la vie des médecins: https://www.lemonde.fr/politique/article/2019/05/16/le-texte-de-la-loi-sur-l-aide-aux-malades-terminaux-dor-enavant-est-adopt-e-au-senat-ce-que-cela-signifie-pour-des-vraies-evolutions-ce-que-cela-signifie-pour-la-veritable-vie-des-medecins_6121042_3224.html
- Agnès Firmin-Le Bodo, a deputy from Seine-Maritime, advocates for discussions on death in classrooms, arguing that students' avoidance of the subject stems from lack of dialogue and the need for them to understand death as a natural part of life.
- Critics, like the deputy of National Rally, Julien Odoul, express concerns about secular, apolitical associations potentially providing biased information about sensitive topics like euthanasia during these sessions, raising questions about ethical concerns and potential overloads on the education system.
