France's National Assembly Clears Path for Legislation on Aid in Dying - Right to Euthanasia Green-Lit by France's National Assembly
France Allows Assisted Dying under Strict Conditions
In a significant legislative milestone, the French National Assembly has approved a bill allowing assisted dying for terminally ill individuals, subject to stringent criteria and close medical supervision.
The bill, as advocated by President Emmanuel Macron, applies to patients aged 18 and above with severe and incurable diseases in their final stages. To be eligible, these individuals must be enduring unbearable physical or mental suffering with no prospect of recovery.
Critical exclusions are people with profound psychiatric conditions or neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease.
The process involves a patient's written request, which triggers a mandated reflection period. A team of medical experts will then assess the case for approval.
In most cases, patients will administer the prescribed, lethal medication themselves, with assistance available if they are physically unable. The medication can be taken at home, in a nursing home, or a healthcare facility.
The legislation comes amidst growing public support for end-of-life choices and carries penalties for those obstructing a person's decision to end their life.
Concurrently, the French government has pledged €1.1 billion for expanding palliative care by 2034, aiming to provide better support for terminally ill patients.
The Senate, predominantly right-wing, retains the power to amend the law. A final vote is expected in early 2026.
This significant shift in France's end-of-life care approach aligns with international trends while maintaining strict oversight to ensure ethical considerations are met. Throughout this process, President Macron’s administration has balanced public demand for end-of-life options with the necessity of stringent regulation.
The Commission, following President Macron's administration's approach to end-of-life options, has also taken measures to combat fraud in the distribution and use of therapies and treatments associated with health-and-wellness, mental-health, and palliative care, given the recent legislation allowing assisted dying. Moreover, as part of its commitment to supporting terminally ill patients, the Commission is exploring the integration of science and technology in providing comprehensive health-and-wellness services, including mental-health support and therapies-and-treatments.
