France’s parliament has approved a landmark law legalizing assisted dying for adults suffering from serious, incurable and life-threatening illnesses under strict medical conditions. The legislation, passed by the National Assembly in a 291-241 vote, marks one of the biggest changes to France’s end-of-life laws in decades.
Under the new law, eligible patients must be French citizens or legal residents, be in an advanced or terminal stage of an incurable illness, experience unbearable physical or psychological suffering, and be capable of making a voluntary and informed decision.
In most cases, patients will self-administer the prescribed lethal medication, although a healthcare professional may assist if the patient is physically unable to do so. The law also includes multiple medical assessments, waiting periods and protections for doctors who object on ethical grounds.
The legislation follows years of intense ethical and political debate over end-of-life care in France. Supporters describe it as a compassionate measure that gives terminally ill patients greater dignity and autonomy, while opponents warn it could expose vulnerable people to pressure and weaken protections for the seriously ill. Before taking effect, the law is expected to undergo a constitutional review.
