The French National Assembly on July 15 voted 291 to 241 to pass the Assisted Dying Bill, allowing eligible terminally ill patients to legally seek assisted death, marking a significant step forward in France's bioethics reform.
Under the bill, applicants must be French citizens or legal residents, aged 18 or above, suffering from a serious, incurable, life-threatening condition that has reached an advanced or terminal stage, and enduring physical or psychological pain that cannot be alleviated. They must also be capable of expressing their will autonomously. Patients are required to submit a request to their attending physician, with at least two doctors and one healthcare professional jointly assessing eligibility. Once approved, a minimum two-day cooling-off period is mandatory before the patient's final consent is confirmed. Healthcare workers have the right to refuse participation but must refer the patient to a colleague willing to assist.
Notably, the bill is legally designated as "assisted dying" rather than "euthanasia" in the traditional sense. Under the new French system, patients are required to self-administer the lethal medication; only when a patient is physically unable to do so may a doctor or nurse administer it on their behalf — hence the narrower legal terminology.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the issue of euthanasia touches upon life, suffering, and dignity, and that the government had promoted the legislation through dialogue and democratic debate, fulfilling the reform commitment he made in 2022.
The bill enjoys broad public support. A February poll showed that 84% of respondents were in favor of the legislation. Supporters argue that the new law allows terminally ill patients suffering immense pain to retain autonomy in the final stage of their lives. Opponents, including some medical professionals and religious groups, have expressed concern that vulnerable individuals may face undue pressure.
Although the French Senate had previously rejected the bill, the legislation has now been formally passed by Parliament, as the National Assembly's decision is final in the French legislative process. However, the bill may still be referred to the Constitutional Council for review, and some provisions may be amended before it takes effect.
Currently, several European countries, including Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands, have legalized various forms of assisted dying or euthanasia, while some U.S. states also permit terminally ill patients to receive medical aid in dying under statutory conditions.
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