PARIS — France's National Assembly has given final approval to landmark legislation creating a legal right to assisted dying under strict conditions, marking a major change in the country's approach to end-of-life care after years of political and ethical debate.
Lawmakers voted 291 to 241 in favor of the bill on Wednesday, with 29 abstentions, concluding a lengthy parliamentary process in which the Senate repeatedly rejected the measure before the lower house exercised its constitutional authority to adopt the final text.
The legislation would allow eligible adults who are French citizens or legal residents to request medically assisted dying if they suffer from a serious, incurable illness that is life-threatening and in an advanced or terminal stage, experience constant physical or psychological suffering linked to the condition, and are capable of making a free and informed decision.
Under the approved text, patients would ordinarily self-administer the prescribed lethal substance. If they are physically unable to do so, a doctor or nurse would be permitted to administer it, subject to the law's requirements and safeguards. Healthcare professionals would retain a conscience clause allowing them to decline participation.
The legislation follows years of public consultation, parliamentary revisions and intense debate over individual autonomy, medical ethics and protections for vulnerable people. Supporters argued the measure offers terminally ill patients greater control over end-of-life decisions while incorporating strict eligibility criteria and procedural safeguards. Opponents, including some medical organizations and lawmakers, warned the criteria could prove too broad and raised concerns about potential pressure on vulnerable patients.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the government would refer parts of the legislation to France's Constitutional Council for review before it can take effect. According to the government, the referral will focus on provisions concerning the withdrawal period, safeguards for protected adults and the interaction between the law's conscience clause and healthcare institutions specializing in end-of-life care.
The bill forms part of a broader reform of end-of-life policy that has progressed alongside separate legislation aimed at strengthening access to palliative care, which has already been enacted.
The Constitutional Council's review is the next formal step before the assisted dying legislation can be promulgated and enter into force.
