France Adopts Assisted Dying Law After Lengthy Parliamentary Debate

France has definitively adopted a law establishing a right to assisted dying, following a lengthy legislative process involving numerous debates and amendments. The law, passed by the National Assembly with 291 votes for and 241 against, permits assisted dying for adults suffering from a "grave and incurable condition that engages their vital prognosis, in an advanced or terminal phase."

The legislation includes a clause for individual conscience, allowing medical professionals to refuse participation. However, it does not provide exemptions for confessional establishments, meaning religious-affiliated healthcare facilities cannot opt out of offering the service.

This final text represents a compromise after considerable back-and-forth with the Senate, which had expressed opposition to certain aspects of the bill. The journey to this adoption was described as a "marathon with hurdles," highlighting the contentious nature of the debate. The new law marks a significant shift in end-of-life care policy in France.