French lawmakers vote to legalize assisted dying

France's National Assembly has voted to legalize assisted dying, a move that has deeply divided the nation. The new legislation will permit adults who are French citizens or residents and suffer from a severe, incurable, and terminal illness to access lethal medication.

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The debate about the proposal has divided France.

To qualify, the illness must cause constant physical and psychological suffering. Crucially, individuals must be capable of expressing a free and informed choice. The law allows for the person seeking to die to self-administer the drug, but if they are unable, a doctor or nurse can administer it.

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Proponents believe that assisted dying will give people facing unbearable suffering at the end of life greater self-determination and control over how they die.

The debate has pitted proponents, who argue for greater patient autonomy and control over end-of-life decisions, against opponents. Religious groups and some medical professionals have voiced concerns, warning that legalizing assisted dying could create pressure on vulnerable individuals. One Catholic bishop has even threatened to deny communion to lawmakers who voted in favor.

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Opponents, including parts of the medical profession and religious groups, believe that it could create pressure on vulnerable individuals if assisted dying is legalized.

The bill passed the National Assembly with 291 votes in favor and 241 against. It now moves to France's Constitutional Council for review before it can become law. This vote marks a significant step in a long-standing debate about end-of-life choices in France.

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A Catholic bishop has among other things threatened to deny communion to lawmakers who vote for it.