France Approves Assisted‑Dying Law After Years of Debate
In a decisive legislative moment, the French National Assembly voted 291‑241 to legalise assisted dying for adults facing terminal or incurable illnesses that cause extreme physical or psychological suffering. The bill came after the Senate rejected the proposal three times, but the lower house now says the measure is ready for constitutional scrutiny.
Under the new law, a patient who freely requests assisted death must first seek a doctor’s approval within 15 days. Following a mandatory two‑day period of reflection, the patient may self‑administer the lethal agent; if unable, a doctor or nurse may do so. The physician must verify the decision on the day of administration.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will forward sections of the bill to France’s Constitutional Council to confirm that it aligns with the constitution. The council’s review is expected before the law can become operative.
The passage aligns France with other European states such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland that have long allowed assisted dying under controlled conditions. Meanwhile, similar debates are ongoing in the UK, where a bill for England and Wales is slated to return to Parliament later this year.
Public opinion in France is largely supportive—polls indicate a majority favour a choice between palliative care or assisted dying. Yet political opposition remains strong, with the Catholic Church and segments of the medical community expressing deep concerns about the risks of normalising euthanasia.
The law’s supporters argue that it upholds patient autonomy and relief while demanding strict safeguards to prevent abuse. Critics worry that the brief reflection period and the potential for coercion among vulnerable patients could undermine the safeguards.
Caption: A protester sits with a placard reading "Burden" during a rally organised by French pro‑life group Alliance Vita against the new French draft law on euthanasia and assisted suicide.
