France's National Assembly passes assisted dying bill

France's National Assembly has given final approval to a bill legalizing assisted dying, a significant step in President Emmanuel Macron's agenda to allow terminally ill patients to end their lives with medication. The bill passed the lower house with a vote of 291 in favor to 241 against, following a protracted disagreement with the Senate, which had repeatedly rejected earlier versions. The government ultimately granted the National Assembly the final decision-making power.

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This is a law that will remain in our history.

The legislation permits patients who meet specific criteria to choose assisted death. A core principle is that the patient must self-administer the lethal medication. However, the bill allows for exceptions where a doctor or nurse may administer the drugs if the patient is physically unable to do so. Patients also retain the right to withdraw their decision at any time.

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Please vote against this 'bill of death'.

Despite passing the National Assembly, the bill faces one final hurdle: review by the Constitutional Council. The government announced it would refer the bill for this review, acknowledging ongoing opposition, particularly from right-wing factions. A decision from the council is anticipated around mid-August.

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The law being passed does not automatically make it justified.

Even if enacted, the process of drafting detailed implementation decrees is expected to spark further debate. Anti-euthanasia groups like "Alliance Vita" have vowed to challenge the law, while patient advocacy groups such as "France Assos Santé" have welcomed it as essential. The final outcome hinges on the Constitutional Council's ruling.

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This is an indispensable law.