French MPs Approve Strict Assisted Dying Law After Years of Debate

Paris, France — Ekhbary News Agency

France's National Assembly has approved a contentious assisted dying bill, establishing a right to end-of-life care under stringent conditions. The vote, 291 to 241, follows years of intense debate and multiple rejections by the Senate, which is dominated by right-wing parties. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, for what it's worth, plans to refer specific provisions of the legislation to the Constitutional Council for review before it can be enacted.

Strict Criteria for Eligibility

The proposed law permits assisted dying for French adults suffering from a "serious and incurable" life-threatening illness in an advanced or terminal stage. Crucially, their condition must involve constant, unbearable physical or psychological suffering resistant to available treatments. Patients must explicitly express their intention to a doctor, who then has 15 days to decide after consultation. After a two-day reflection period, the patient would self-administer a lethal substance; a doctor or nurse could assist if the patient is physically unable.

Political and Societal Divisions

While opinion polls consistently indicate strong public support for such a law, political opposition remains significant, particularly from the Catholic Church and segments of the medical community. The bill's journey through parliament has been fraught, with the Senate repeatedly blocking its passage. President Emmanuel Macron has long supported end-of-life legislation, though previous political events, including snap elections, caused considerable delays. Lecornu's reservations about certain terms have also been noted, prompting the referral to the Constitutional Council to scrutinize aspects like the patient's reflection period and the role of palliative care facilities. This move reflects the deep ethical complexities inherent in such legislation.