France Could Make It a Crime to Criticize Government-Approved Medical Treatments

A controversial French bill that passed its first legislative hurdle would punish, with fines and…

Children's Health Defense

A controversial proposed bill in France that seeks to outlaw criticism of medical interventions such as mRNA vaccines has passed its first legislative hurdle.

The French Assembly passed Bill 2157, “Aimed at strengthening the fight against sectarian abuses and improving support for victims,” on Feb. 14 in an 182-137 vote, according to a Feb. 15 report by FranceInfo. The legislation was first introduced on Nov. 15, 2023, and was subsequently fast-tracked.

Article 4 of the bill has garnered the most controversy. It states:

“Provocation to abandon or abstain from following therapeutic or prophylactic medical treatment is punishable by one year’s imprisonment and a fine of 15,000 euros [$16,216], when this abandonment or abstention is presented as beneficial for the health of the persons … [but may result in] serious consequences for their physical or psychological health …

“… When the provocation provided for in the first two paragraphs has been followed by effects, the penalties are increased to three years of imprisonment and a fine of 45,000 euros [$48,647].

“When these offenses are committed through the written or audiovisual press, the specific provisions of the laws which govern these matters are applicable with regard to the determination of the persons responsible.”

According to FranceInfo, the French Senate — which previously “withdrew the first version of [Article 4] at first reading in December, highlighting its legal fragility” — must now vote on an identical version of the bill. The Senate vote has not yet been scheduled.

France’s Council of State, which advises the French government on legislation, issued an opinion in November 2023 finding the proposed legislation redundant. The council said existing law already prohibits the illegal practice of medicine, deceptive commercial practices and endangering the lives of others.

The Council of State also questioned the bill’s constitutionality, arguing the restrictions in the law’s original wording were not “necessary, appropriate and proportionate” to the principles of freedom of expression and freedom of scientific debate protected by the French Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights…