France's National Assembly passes bill to allow assisted death for terminally ill adults

France has taken a significant step towards legalizing assisted death, with the National Assembly approving a bill that permits terminally ill adults to choose to end their lives with medical assistance. This landmark decision positions France to become the 12th nation globally to adopt such a policy, joining countries like Switzerland, Canada, and the Netherlands.

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This (assisted death) bill allows us to look death in the face.

The legislation sets strict criteria for eligibility. Applicants must be French nationals or legal residents over 18, suffering from a "severe and incurable disease" that is in an "irreversible progressive or terminal stage." Continuous suffering that is "unresponsive to treatment or that the patient cannot bear" is also a requirement, explicitly excluding psychological suffering alone. Crucially, the patient must possess the capacity to express their will freely and with full information.

Under the proposed law, a patient seeking assisted death can apply to a doctor, who must inform them of alternative palliative care and psychological support options. The patient must also be reminded they can stop the process at any time. Doctors will consult with a specialist and a caregiver to assess the request, with the patient's designated caregiver's opinion also considered. If deemed appropriate, the patient must reconfirm their decision after two days. Medical personnel must verify the patient's ongoing consent and absence of external pressure on the day of the procedure. The patient will self-administer the lethal medication, with medical professionals only intervening if the patient is physically unable to do so. They must remain with the patient until death.

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Please vote against this bill of death.

Assisted death was a campaign promise by President Emmanuel Macron, who stated in March that the bill would allow France to "look death in the face." While centrist and left-wing parties largely supported the measure, conservative parties like the Republicans and the far-right National Rally opposed it, arguing it could lead to premature decisions about death. Macron welcomed the vote, reaffirming his commitment to the promise. The bill now faces a final constitutional review before Macron can officially enact it.

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In 2022, I promised the French people that I would open this path, and I have kept that promise, in full respect for our democracy.