The legislation was passed on Wednesday, marking a major milestone in France’s years-long debate over whether people suffering from severe, terminal conditions should have the legal right to choose how they end their lives.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who pledged to introduce the legislation during his 2022 re-election campaign, welcomed the vote and praised lawmakers for holding what he described as “constructive and respectful” discussions on the issue.
Lawmakers approved the bill by 291 votes to 241, following three rounds of parliamentary debate.
The National Assembly had previously passed a similar version of the bill last year, but it was rejected by the Senate. The government later allowed the Assembly to have the final say without Senate approval, as permitted under the French Constitution.
If the law comes into force, adults suffering from incurable and irreversible illnesses will be able to request medication that would legally help them end their lives, subject to strict eligibility requirements.
The medication may be self-administered by the patient. However, if the patient is physically unable to take it, a doctor or nurse may administer it on their behalf.
To qualify, a patient must be mentally capable of making a free and informed decision. They must also be experiencing physical suffering that cannot be relieved through medical treatment, or pain they consider unbearable.
Before approval is granted, a doctor must assess whether the patient meets all legal conditions, after which a medical team will review the case. The final decision, however, remains with the patient, who also has the right to withdraw the request at any time.
Although Parliament has approved the legislation, it has not yet become law. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has announced that the bill will be referred to the Constitutional Council, which will determine whether it complies with France’s Constitution before it can take effect.
