French Senate Again Rejects Assisted Dying Law

The French Senate on Tuesday rejected for the second time a bill that would have introduced a right to assisted dying. The measure, backed by President Emmanuel Macron’s government, had already been approved by the National Assembly.

The upper house, dominated by right-wing and centrist senators, voted down the remaining provisions after a key element of the proposal, described as the “cornerstone” of the reform, failed to pass, according to BFMTV.

The legislation was intended to establish a regulated framework allowing assisted dying for patients suffering from serious and terminal illnesses.

Republicans leader Bruno Retailleau argued that such a fundamental measure requires a minimum level of consensus, and should be decided by the French public in a referendum.

Despite the Senate’s rejection, the legislative process will continue, as the government can ultimately refer the final decision to the National Assembly, where supporters of the proposal hold a stronger majority.

Philippe Mouiller, chairman of the Senate’s social affairs committee, said the chamber had failed to agree on a “guiding principle” for the reform. Socialist leader Patrick Kanner criticized the majority in the upper house for blocking debate, saying the Senate had missed an opportunity.

(aa.com, bak)