France Legalizes Assisted Dying After Years of Debate

The French Parliament definitively approved a law on July 15th allowing assisted dying for adults suffering from incurable illnesses under strict conditions. After years of political and social debate, the National Assembly voted 291 to 241 in favor of the legislation. The law permits medical aid in dying, where a patient self-administers a lethal medication, or receives assistance from a healthcare professional if physically unable to do so.

To qualify, individuals must be at least 18 years old, French citizens or legal residents, suffer from a severe and incurable illness, be in an advanced or terminal stage, experience unbearable suffering that cannot be alleviated, and make a free and informed decision. The legislation excludes those suffering solely from psychological distress or those with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

The bill now awaits review by the Constitutional Council. President Emmanuel Macron hailed the decision as fulfilling a key promise of his second term, emphasizing the constructive nature of the debate. The path to passage was lengthy and politically challenging, with previous versions stalled and repeatedly rejected by the Senate.