French Parliament approves landmark assisted-dying bill

French lawmakers have adopted a bill establishing a legal right to assisted dying for adults with incurable illnesses. This landmark legislation, passed after significant ethical and political debate, will permit individuals to receive a lethal substance under strict conditions. The substance can be self-administered or, if the person is physically unable, administered by a doctor or nurse. Eligibility is limited to adult French citizens or legal residents suffering from a serious, incurable, and life-threatening illness in an advanced or terminal phase, who experience constant suffering and can make a free and informed choice.

France's National Assembly has approved a bill establishing a right to assisted dying for terminally ill adults. The legislation, passed by 291 votes to 241 after years of debate, permits assisted dying for adults experiencing "serious and incurable" life-threatening illnesses in advanced or terminal stages, causing unbearable suffering. Patients must freely express their wish to a doctor, who will consult and decide within 15 days. Following a two-day reflection period, the patient must self-administer a lethal substance, though a doctor or nurse can assist if the patient is unable. The physician must verify the patient's decision on the day of the procedure. The bill now faces examination by France's Constitutional Council before potentially becoming law, positioning France alongside other European nations with decriminalized assisted dying.

France's Parliament has approved a bill establishing a legal right to assisted dying for adults with incurable illnesses. The legislation, passed by a vote of 291 to 241, will allow eligible individuals to receive a lethal substance under strict conditions. Access is limited to French citizens or legal residents aged 18 and over, who have an advanced or terminal life-threatening illness causing constant physical or psychological suffering, and are capable of making informed decisions. The bill's passage follows extensive debate and requires approval from the Constitutional Council before it can become law. If approved, France would join a growing list of countries that have legalized assisted dying.