The French National Assembly has passed a significant bill to create a legal right to assisted dying, marking a major milestone after years of intense political debate. The legislation, which was approved by a vote of 291 to 241, establishes strict conditions for the practice, which has previously been rejected three times by the Senate, the upper house of parliament.
Under the proposed framework, assisted dying would be available to French adults suffering from a serious and incurable life-threatening illness in an advanced or terminal stage. To qualify, patients must be experiencing constant physical or psychological suffering that is deemed unbearable or resistant to standard treatment. The process requires a patient to freely manifest their intention to a doctor, who will then make a decision following a consultation period of 15 days.
Once approved, the patient must wait two days before self-administering a lethal substance. In cases where the patient is unable to do so, a doctor or nurse may perform the procedure, with the physician verifying the patient’s consent on the day of the act.
Despite the vote, the bill faces further hurdles. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has announced plans to refer specific provisions to France's Constitutional Council to ensure they align with the constitution. Lecornu has requested that the nine-member authority examine three specific areas: the two-day reflection period, which some critics claim is too brief; the capacity for patients with impaired judgment to provide informed consent; and the role of palliative care facilities in offering these services.
The Prime Minister has noted that the Senate has not yet provided the level of scrutiny required to balance the aspirations of supporters with the concerns of those worried about implementation.
The issue remains highly contentious within France, drawing vocal opposition from the Catholic Church and segments of the medical profession. Critics have argued that the law could frame vulnerable individuals as a burden. Conversely, public opinion polls consistently indicate that a large majority of French citizens support providing terminally ill patients with the option of choosing between palliative care and assisted dying.
President Emmanuel Macron has long expressed support for end-of-life legislation, though the path to this vote was complicated by his decision to call snap elections two years ago, which stalled the legislative process.
If enacted, France would join other European nations that have already decriminalized forms of assisted dying. Belgium and the Netherlands legalized the practice in 2002 for those suffering from incurable illnesses, and Switzerland has long permitted assisted suicide provided the assistant acts unselfishly. Meanwhile, similar debates continue in other regions; in the UK, a bill to legalize assisted dying in England and Wales stalled earlier this year but is scheduled to return to Parliament in September.
