France's parliament passes assisted dying law after years of debate

France's parliament has given final approval to a law that will allow terminally ill adults to be prescribed lethal medication, concluding a debate that has spanned years. The National Assembly passed the bill by a vote of 291 to 241 after three readings, marking a significant shift in the country's approach to end-of-life care.

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

President Emmanuel Macron, who proposed the bill three years ago, stated on social media platform X that he had fulfilled a promise made to the French people in 2022. He described the fulfillment as being done with "seriousness, humility, and full respect for our democracy."

The bill permits medical aid in dying, where a patient can self-administer a lethal dose of medication. For individuals unable to self-administer due to their physical condition, a doctor or nurse can provide assistance. Strict conditions apply: patients must be at least 18 years old, French citizens or legal residents, and diagnosed with a severe, incurable illness by a medical team. They must also be experiencing unbearable and irremediable suffering and express their wish for the lethal treatment freely and with full awareness.

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This debate was the longest since the 1980s.

Crucially, the law excludes individuals suffering solely from psychological distress, severe mental illness, or neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The process involves a review by medical professionals within 15 days of a request, followed by a reflection period of at least two days before finalization. If approved, patients can choose the time and place for the procedure, potentially with loved ones present. The national health insurance system will cover all associated costs.

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All individuals should be guaranteed to be at the center of their medical decisions and that their wishes are respected.

Despite France's traditional Catholic identity, public support for legalizing medical aid in dying has grown, with a majority of citizens favoring it in a 2023 report. However, the bill faced opposition, particularly from the conservative-dominated Senate, which rejected it. The National Assembly holds the final decision-making power in cases of disagreement between the two chambers. The bill will now undergo a constitutional review, which could take up to a month, before it can take effect.

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We must make every effort to ensure that suffering people have immediate access to palliative care and support. Presenting death as a desirable solution is never an acceptable response to suffering and is contrary to human dignity.