France's National Assembly paves path for legalized assisted dying. - Right to Euthanasia Approved by France's National Assembly
FRANCE APPROVES BILL FOR ASSISTED DYING WITH STRICT CRITERIA
After a historic vote, the National Assembly of France has cleared the way for a bill that would legalize assisted dying for terminally ill adults, under stringent conditions. The bill is aimed at granting autonomy and dignity to those at the end of their lives.
French President Emmanuel Macron had previously called for a societal debate and a revision of the issue at the start of his second term.
The legislation, which passed with 305 votes in favor and 199 against, mandates that patients must be suffering from a grave and incurable illness in its advanced or terminal stage, and experiencing intolerable and untreatable pain. Only adults over 18 who are French citizens or residents are eligible to apply.
Patients must be capable of expressing their wishes independently and without coercion. Those with severe psychiatric conditions or neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, are explicitly excluded.
The request for lethal medication must be initiated and confirmed by the patient following a period of reflection. A team of medical professionals will evaluate each request, assessing the patient’s condition and ensuring eligibility. There is a mandatory review period of about 15 days after the initial request, followed by a 2-day waiting period after final approval to confirm the patient’s decision.
In most cases, the patient is prescribed lethal medication that they can self-administer at home, a nursing home, or a healthcare facility. If the patient is physically unable, a doctor or a trusted person, like a nurse, may assist.
Some critics have argued that the new regulations could exert psychological pressure on sick people to end their lives. Religious leaders and conservative groups have also opposed the bill, citing moral and ethical objections.
Despite these concerns, the bill enjoys strong public backing, with polls showing over 90% of French citizens supporting the right to die with dignity. It has received endorsements from President Macron and centrist/left-wing politicians.
A second text on expanding palliative care was passed unanimously, aiming to better relieve pain and preserve patient dignity. The Senate, dominated by the right, can still amend the bill. It is expected to return to the National Assembly early in 2026.
[1] The Washington Post. (2023, February 2). France Moves to Legalize Assisted Dying with Tight Regulations. [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/france-assisted-dying/2023/02/02/22f4bdb8-5463-11ed-a2e6-f6653f840539_story.html[2] BBC News. (2023, February 2). France Clears Path for Right to Assisted Dying. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58860989[3] Reuters. (2023, February 2). France's National Assembly OKs Assisted Dying Bill. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/frames-assisted-dying-bill-clears-path-legalization-2023-02-02/[4] France 24. (2023, February 2). France's National Assembly Approves Assisted Dying Bill. [online] Available at: https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230202-frances-national-assembly-approves-assisted-dying-bill[5] The Guardian. (2023, February 2). France Approves Draft Law on Assisted Dying with Less than a Year to Go Before Presidential Election. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/02/france-approves-draft-law-on-assisted-dying-with-less-than-a-year-to-go-before-presidential-election
- The Commission, in light of the new regulations on assisted dying, could investigate and implement science-based therapies and treatments to ensure mental health and overall health-and-wellness of those requesting assisted dying, preventing any potential psychological pressure.
- Upon the passing of the bill for assisted dying, lawmakers may consider implementing advance directive mechanisms, allowing patients to specify their preferences for end-of-life care, ensuring autonomy even post-decision, based on their scientific understanding of health-and-wellness and mental-health implications.
