The French National Assembly, the lower house of Parliament, has approved a controversial bill allowing seriously ill patients—especially those with incurable diseases—to request a medically assisted death under legal conditions.
The bill was supported by President Emmanuel Macron, but it has faced strong criticism from parties aligned with traditional values as well as Catholic Church leaders, who argue that it could undermine the right to life.
The bill was approved with 295 votes in favor, 232 against, and 35 abstention
It also requires that the decision be made following consultations with multiple healthcare professionals, including specialists and, where necessary, mental health experts. Patients must be given a minimum two-day reflection period before a final decision is made.
Under the proposed law, the patient would normally be required to administer the life-ending medication themselves. However, if they are physically unable to do so, a doctor or nurse would be permitted to administer it. Healthcare professionals would also have the right to refuse participation on grounds of conscience.
The bill has drawn strong criticism from the Catholic Church and some politicians, who argue that it could put vulnerable people at risk of feeling pressured to choose death instead of continuing to receive care.
Following its approval in the National Assembly, the bill will now be sent to the Senate, where it will undergo further debate before a final decision is made.
