Right to die: French Parliament approves assisted dying bill after years of debate

French parliament pass the end-of-life bill in Paris

France's National Assembly has given final approval to a landmark assisted dying bill, allowing adults with incurable illnesses to receive lethal medication under strict conditions, after years of debate over end-of-life care.The lower house passed the measure 291-241, completing parliament's work on the legislation announced by President Emmanuel Macron more than three years ago. The bill had been rejected three times by the Senate, but under France's legislative process, the National Assembly has the final say when the two houses disagree.Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said he would refer parts of the bill to the Constitutional Council for examination before it can become law, a review that could take up to a month.

Strict conditions for assisted dying

The bill primarily provides for medically assisted suicide, allowing patients to receive and self-administer lethal medication under strict conditions. Only those whose physical condition prevents them from doing so would receive assistance from a doctor or nurse.Patients must be at least 18 years old and either French citizens or legal residents. They must have a "serious and incurable" life-threatening illness in an "advanced or terminal stage," with constant physical or psychological suffering that is unbearable or resistant to treatment.

Psychological suffering alone would not qualify a person for assisted dying. People with severe psychiatric disorders or neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's would not be eligible.Patients would initiate the request, reviewed by health professionals within 15 days, and then confirm it after a two-day reflection period. On the chosen date, the doctor or nurse would verify the person still wishes to proceed.France's national health insurance system would cover all associated costs.

Supporters and opponents react

The Association for the Right to Die With Dignity said the law would allow people "to choose to end unbearable suffering, freely and with full awareness." Opponents argue the measure could put pressure on older people and those living with illness or disabilities.Polls show a majority of French people support giving terminally ill people a choice of palliative care or assisted dying.

Constitutional review and next steps

Lecornu has asked the constitutional council to focus on three aspects: the two-day reflection period, which opponents argue is too short; the ability of patients under legal protection to exercise free and informed consent; and the role of health facilities in providing assisted dying services.The law would only enter into force once the Constitutional Council review is completed. France would join European countries including the Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland that have legalised assisted dying in some form.