French Parliament Approves Assisted Dying Bill

France's National Assembly on Wednesday approved a landmark bill that would allow adults with incurable illnesses to seek assisted dying. According to France 24, the legislation would allow terminally ill patients to request a lethal dose of medication under strict conditions.

As a rule, patients would administer the substance themselves. However, if they are physically unable to do so, a doctor or nurse could administer it. Eligibility would be limited to adults who are able to express their wishes freely and who suffer from unbearable physical pain that does not respond to treatment. The final decision would rest with the treating doctor, and patients could withdraw their consent at any time.

Although the National Assembly approved the bill after intense debate, the right-wing dominated Senate rejected it. The government therefore exercised its constitutional authority to give the lower house the final say without the Senate's consent, a move strongly opposed by right-wing parties.

The bill will not take effect immediately, however. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has asked the Constitutional Council to review the legislation.

The introduction of assisted dying would represent one of the most significant social reforms in France since the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2013. Traditionally Catholic France has prohibited both euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, leading many patients to seek the procedures abroad. President Emmanuel Macron pledged to legalize assisted dying after his reelection in 2022.

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