French Parliament Grants Assisted‑Dying Rights Amid Rigorous Safeguards
France’s National Assembly has voted to create a legal right to assisted dying under strict conditions, after years of debate and changes to the proposals.
MPs passed the bill 291 to 241. The measure had been rejected three times by the upper house, the Senate, before being upheld by the lower house.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will refer portions of the bill to France’s Constitutional Council for review before it can become law.
The law would allow assisted dying for French adults suffering from a serious and incurable life‑threatening illness that causes constant physical or psychological pain that is unbearable or resistant to treatment.
Any patient must freely manifest their intention to a doctor. The doctor would then give a decision after consulting the patient within fifteen days.
Following an additional two‑day reflection period, the patient would administer a lethal substance themselves. If they cannot, a doctor or nurse may do so.
On the day of the procedure, a physician must verify that the patient has chosen to proceed.
Wednesday’s vote places France among several European countries that have decriminalised assisted dying in some form.
A similar lengthy debate led to a bill to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales, which stalled earlier this year and is expected to return to Parliament in September. Read more on UK developments.
Netherlands and Belgium introduced assisted‑dying legislation in 2002 for people suffering unbearable pain from incurable illnesses, allowing physicians to administer the poison.
Other European countries have subsequently passed legislation, while Switzerland permits assisted suicide provided the helper acts unselfishly.
The issue remains highly contentious in France, drawing opposition from the Catholic Church and segments of the medical profession.
Although the bill has passed four times in the National Assembly, the Senate, dominated by right‑wing parties, has rejected it on three occasions.
Opinion polls suggest that a large majority of French people support giving terminally ill people the choice between palliative care and assisted dying.
Prime Minister Lecornu clarified that the Constitutional Council would examine three aspects of the law: the two‑day reflection period, the ability of patients with impaired judgment to give free and informed consent, and the role of healthcare facilities that traditionally provide palliative care.
President Emmanuel Macron has long backed end‑of‑life legislation, but his decision to call snap elections two years ago delayed the process.
The Constitutional Council’s review will focus on whether the procedures protect patients’ rights, prevent abuse, and maintain the integrity of healthcare institutions.
