French lawmakers approve assisted dying bill

A right-to-die bill was approved in the first reading in France’s lower house, marking a first step in the long process of legislation passage.

The bill’s passage was approved on Tuesday by 305 lawmakers in the National Assembly, but 199 deputies opposed it because it would allow patients to receive medical assistance until certain circumstances are met.

President Emmanuel Macron supports the text, but some conservative organizations object to it.

Macron praised the bill’s passage as “an important step” in “the path of fraternity” in a statement on X.

Macron wrote that the vote on legislation to promote palliative care and assisted dying is a crucial step. The path of fraternity that I hoped for is gradually opening up in light of my sensibilities, doubts, and hopes.

The French Senate will hear the legislation for further discussion. Given France’s lengthy and challenging parliamentary process, a definitive vote on the measure might require several months. The Senate has the final say, according to the National Assembly.

More than 90 percent of French people support laws that grant people who have terminal illnesses or endure endless suffering the right to die, according to polls that indicate the legislation will eventually pass.

According to the proposed legislation, assisted dying entitles people to use lethal drugs in certain circumstances. They may take it themselves, or those who are unable to do so by themselves may seek medical advice from a doctor or nurse.

strict guidelines

Patients would need to be French citizens or live in France to receive benefits.

A team of medical professionals would need to verify that the patient is seeking lethal medication of their own free will and that she is “at an advanced or terminal stage” of a serious and incurable illness.

Patients with severe psychiatric conditions and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease are not eligible.

After reflecting for a while, someone would make the request for lethal medication and confirm it.

A doctor would issue a prescription for the lethal medication if it was approved, and it could be taken at home, in a nursing facility, or elsewhere.

According to a report from 2023, the majority of French people support end-of-life options, and opinion polls showed growing support for end-of-life options.

Macron’s decision to dissolve the National Assembly abruptly slowed the first-year political debate in parliament, causing France to plunge into a months-long political crisis.