French MPs approve assisted-dying law with strict rules after years of argument
France's National Assembly has voted to legalize assisted dying for adults with incurable, terminal illnesses causing unbearable suffering. The bill now faces constitutional review before it can be enacted into law.
Why it matters
This legislative move marks a significant shift in French social policy and aligns the country with a growing number of European nations addressing end-of-life rights.
Image source, EPA Image caption, People hold signs reading 'I am not a reason to die' and 'Before a dignified death, I want to see a dignified life' during a protest against the assisted dying bill
France's National Assembly has voted to create a right to assisted dying under strict conditions, after years of debate and changes to the proposals.
MPs voted by 291 to 241 to back the bill, which had been rejected three times by the upper house of parliament, the Senate.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is set to refer parts of the bill to France's Constitutional Council for examination before it can become law.
It would allow assisted dying for French adults with a "serious and incurable" life-threatening illness "in an advanced or terminal stage". The illness would need to leave them in constant physical or psychological suffering that is unbearable or resistant to treatment.
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