France approves landmark assisted dying bill after years of debate

France’s National Assembly has given its final nod to a landmark bill allowing adults suffering from incurable diseases to get lethal medication at their request — ending a long and arduous parliamentary battle over the country’s approach to end-of-life care.

The lower chamber voted 291-241 on Thursday to pass the legislation which was first announced by President Emmanuel Macron more than three years ago. It now completes the work of parliament on what was one of his most controversial policy pledges.

After being thrown out three times by the upper house, where lawmakers have repeatedly raised concerns about human rights and religious freedoms issues — the vote gives the National Assembly the last word. Under French laws, if the two houses agree on a piece of legislation then it becomes law without needing further scrutiny.


But Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said he will send some elements of the act for consideration by the Constitutional Council, which acts as a legal check on proposed bills, an extra step taken because of specific provisions within this law. This process can take anywhere up to a month to complete.

Read More: US President Donald Trump tells immigration agents to keep traffic stops despite killings

Strict conditions for assisted dying

Medically assisted suicide will be available, according to the bill’s provisions. Patients may obtain and self administer lethal medication but only people unable to do so due to their physical condition are allowed to seek medical help (from a doctor or nurse).

Patients need to be over 18 years of age and must be French citizens or legal residents. A “serious and incurable” life-threatening illness — whether in advanced or terminal stages, must also be demonstrated, which includes consistent physical or psychological suffering that cannot be borne or treated. However, psychological suffering without any accompanying physical component won’t make someone eligible. Nor will those with severe psychiatric disorders or some neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

The patient would make their own request that could be assessed by health professionals within 15 days of making an application. This would include time for patients to reflect on the decision (two days), with confirmation from the individual on the day they choose to move ahead with the procedure. France’s national health insurance scheme would pay for everything.

Supporters and opponents react

Supporters claim that the law will give people “the right to choose ending their unbearable suffering freely, with full awareness”, said the Association for the Right to Die With Dignity.

But opponents say there could be pressure being placed on older people or people living with an illness or disability because they may have no one to make decisions on their behalf.

Read More: US producer prices unexpectedly fall in June

According to polls, the vast majority of the French population are supportive of providing terminally ill people with a choice between receiving palliative care and choosing to die by assisted means.

Constitutional review and next steps

The law will only come into force after the constitutional council completes its review process. Lecornu has requested they pay particular attention to three issues: first the length of time (two days) patients are allowed to reflect before committing themselves to an act of assisted dying; second how patients under legal protection can ensure their right to free and informed consent is respected and third how health facilities will provide assisted dying services.

France joins European states such as the Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland where assisted dying has been made legal in some way.

(With inputs from TOI)