France’s National Assembly has approved a bill legalizing assisted dying under strict conditions, following years of political debate. The measure passed 291 to 241 and now faces constitutional review before it can become law.
The proposal allows French adults with a serious and incurable life-threatening illness in an advanced or terminal stage to request assisted dying. Their condition must cause constant, unbearable physical or psychological suffering that resists treatment. Patients must express their intent to a doctor, who then consults with a medical team before making a decision within 15 days.
Strict Conditions for Assisted Dying in France
After a two-day reflection period, the patient must self-administer the lethal substance. If physically unable, a doctor or nurse may assist. The patient’s final consent must be verified by the physician on the day of the procedure.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will refer parts of the bill to France’s Constitutional Council for examination. His office cited concerns over the two-day reflection period, consent for patients with impaired judgment, and the role of palliative care facilities in providing assisted dying services.
France Joins European Nations on End-of-Life Laws
If enacted, France would follow several European countries that have decriminalized assisted dying. The Netherlands and Belgium legalized it in 2002 for those with unbearable suffering from incurable illness, while Switzerland permits assisted suicide under specific conditions.
Public opinion in France largely supports the measure, though opposition remains from the Catholic Church and parts of the medical profession. The bill has passed the National Assembly four times but was previously rejected three times by the Senate, where right-wing parties hold a majority.
