In a move that has sparked intense debate, the French National Assembly voted 291 to 241 to approve a bill legalizing assisted dying for adults suffering from serious, incurable illnesses.
The legislation, which has faced repeated rejection by the Senate, would allow individuals to request a lethal substance if they are deemed to be in unbearable physical or psychological pain.
Under the proposed framework, a doctor would consult on the request, followed by a two-day reflection period before the patient administers the lethal dose themselves, or receives assistance from a medical professional if they are unable to do so.
The bill now faces a critical hurdle as Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu prepares to refer the measure to the Constitutional Council.
Concerns remain regarding the brevity of the reflection period, the ability of patients with impaired judgment to provide informed consent, and the fundamental conflict between assisted dying and the mission of palliative care facilities.
While President Emmanuel Macron has long championed this shift, the legislation remains deeply divisive, drawing sharp criticism from the Catholic Church and segments of the medical community who argue that the state should focus on preserving life rather than facilitating its end.
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