Françoise Meunier, Vice President of the Royal Academy of Medicine of Belgium, and Founder of the European Initiative on Ending Discrimination Against Cancer Survivors, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Momentum is building for the Right to be Forgotten in Germany.
Cancer survivorship should not be rhythmed by a lifetime of discrimination.
I recently contributed to the ARD Panorama documentary ‘Cured of cancer – disadvantaged for life’, which aired last week (25 Sept 2025), shedding light on the systemic challenges cancer survivors in Germany face, particularly in securing vital insurance.
My message was unequivocal: the Right To Be Forgotten is a proven legal safeguard:
- Successfully implemented across various Member States in Europe
- Posing no financial risk to insurers
- Requiring no government expenditure
It remains a significant concern that Germany continues to withhold this fundamental human right. Arguments from German insurance companies suggesting the EU Consumer Credit Directive is sufficient are misleading. With 15-year implementation delays and coverage limited to consumer credits, the Directive does not cut it for German cancer survivors.
Fortunately, attention is growing. Beyond the excellent documentary led by Tina Soliman on ARD, the issue was also featured in the article ‘Rotary in a Changing World’ from the German Rotary magazine, where I reiterated the fundamental right of patients not to be stigmatised once cured of their illness.
These developments are encouraging signs that momentum could be growing.
Now, decisive political will is paramount. Germany must act to make the Right to Be Forgotten a reality for all its citizens.
Link to the Documentary.
Link to the article ‘Rotary in a Changing World’.
Link to interesting facts about life after cancer.”
More posts featuring Françoise Meunier.