French Parliament approves assisted-dying bill after heated debate

French Parliament approves assisted-dying bill after heated debate
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France’s Parliament has approved a landmark bill that would establish a legal right to assisted dying for certain adults with incurable illnesses, following months of ethical and political debate.

The National Assembly, France’s lower house, passed the legislation on Wednesday by 291 votes to 241. The bill must still be reviewed by the Constitutional Council before it can come into force.

Under the proposed law, adults who are French citizens or legal residents and suffering from an incurable, life-threatening illness in an advanced or terminal stage could request assistance in ending their life. Applicants must experience persistent physical or psychological suffering linked to their condition and be capable of making a free and informed decision.

The approved framework would allow the use of a lethal substance either through self-administration or, when a patient is physically unable to do so, with assistance from a doctor or nurse.

Supporters of the legislation argue that it provides greater autonomy and dignity for patients facing unbearable suffering while maintaining strict safeguards. President Emmanuel Macron said the vote fulfilled a commitment he made in 2022 to allow a national debate on end-of-life issues.

Opponents, including some conservative political groups and religious organizations, warned that the law could create risks of misuse and argued that society should focus on improving care and support for vulnerable people. The Catholic Church has also opposed the measure.