French MPs Approve Assisted Dying Bill

France’s National Assembly has approved a landmark assisted dying bill after years of political debate, voting 291 to 241 in favour of the legislation. The bill would allow eligible adults with a serious, incurable, life-threatening illness in an advanced or terminal stage to request assisted dying under strict legal safeguards. The law must still undergo constitutional review before it can take effect.

Under the proposed legislation, patients must voluntarily request the procedure and obtain approval from a doctor following consultations within 15 days. After a mandatory two-day reflection period, the patient would generally administer the life-ending medication themselves. If they are physically unable to do so, a doctor or nurse could assist, provided the patient’s consent is confirmed on the day of the procedure.

The legislation remains politically and socially divisive, drawing opposition from religious groups and some medical professionals, while opinion polls indicate broad public support. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has referred key provisions of the bill to France’s Constitutional Council for review, including the reflection period, consent rules for protected patients, and the role of palliative care facilities before the law can be formally enacted.

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