In a case which has gripped France, a doctor has been released on bail after being charged with the euthanasia deaths of four elderly people.

In a case which has gripped France, a doctor has been released on bail after being charged with the euthanasia deaths of four elderly people. According to his lawyer, Nicolas Bonnemaison , 50, who worked in an emergency department in the Atlantic coast city of Bayonne, admits that he gave lethal injections over the last four months, but says that he did so in good conscience and in keeping with his medical oath. He viewed the deaths as acts of compassion. All the patients were of advanced years and none of the families has complained.

He was reported on August 3 after a 92-year-old woman patient died. Police arrested him and kept him in custody for two days.  “These are acts of extreme seriousness and totally prohibited by law,” says the local prosecutor. If found guilty, Bonnemaison could be imprisoned for life.

French newspapers paint a picture of a doctor who suffered from depression. He is married to a doctor and his father was a renowned physician who committed suicide. He had been on leave and was demoted when he returned to work.”He is a man of great kindness, sensitivity and competence. A great professional,” said one colleague.  ~ Le Nouvel Observateur, Aug 12

Michael Cook
euthanasia
France

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Michael Cook

Michael Cook edits BioEdge, a bioethics newsletter, and MercatorNet, an on-line magazine whose focus is human dignity. He writes from Sydney, Australia.

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