The State Medical Aid scheme (AME) is part of the universal healthcare system in France. Specifically, AME ensures that people can access vital healthcare whilst awaiting administrative regularisation.
Access to healthcare through the AME scheme represents 0.47% of the national healthcare budget. It is estimated that the scheme saves the French healthcare system up to 69% of related expenditure through early medical interventions, preventing the need for costly emergency treatment and procedures. It has also been credited with significantly limiting the spread of infectious diseases within the general population and associated costs.
The new 2023 Asylum and Immigration Bill currently before the French Senate proposes that the AME scheme be replaced with a new system that will only allow access to emergency medical services.
Women for Women France calls for victims of gender-based violence to be considered in the debate on the removal of the AME scheme.
Sarah McGrath, CEO of Women for Women France, said:
“The removal of the State Medical Aid scheme (AME) will have a devastating impact on victims of domestic abuse.
“Our research shows that abusers actively hinder their migrant partner’s ability to regularise their administrative situation. This is a common coercive control tactic.”
Alexandra Lachowsky, Board Member, Women for Women France, said:
“It is deeply concerning that we would consider removing any measure that protects victims of domestic abuse in France.
“The AME scheme is essential to ensure all women have access to healthcare in France, especially victims of sexist and sexual violence.
“WFWF calls on lawmakers to ensure that this vital measure is protected.”
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If you are writing about domestic abuse, please consider including resources for victims in your article:
- Emergency services (police, ambulance, fire): 112 (24/7)
- Multilingual Online Resource Centre for victims of domestic abuse and gender-based violence: www.womenforwomenfrance.org (24/7)
- Helpline for victims of domestic abuse and gender-based violence: 3919 (24/7)
About WFWF
Women for Women France (WFWF) is the creator and manager of the national Online Multilingual Online Resource Centre for all people confronted with domestic abuse and gender-based violence in France. Our expertise is in domestic abuse, coercive control, and migrants’ rights.
WFWF has a team of multi-disciplinary experts in France who monitor current events and laws and provide research-based insights and recommendations.