French MPs approve assisted dying bill as public support grows

French MPs pass right-to-die bill 305–199; backed by Macron, opposed by conservatives, with strict safeguards in place

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France’s National Assembly has approved a controversial right-to-die bill in its first reading, marking a significant initial step toward legalising medically assisted dying for patients facing terminal or unbearable illness.

The proposed legislation was passed on Tuesday with 305 lawmakers voting in favour and 199 against. The bill, which allows patients to seek medical assistance to end their lives under strict conditions, enjoys the backing of President Emmanuel Macron but faces resistance from conservative factions.

Posting on X (formerly Twitter), President Macron hailed the result as “an important step” along “the path of fraternity.”

“With respect for sensitivities, doubts and hopes, the path of fraternity that I hoped for is gradually opening up,” Macron wrote.

The legislation sets out a tightly regulated framework under which individuals suffering from severe, incurable illnesses could access lethal medication. Patients must meet specific criteria: they must be over 18, be French citizens or residents, and be experiencing intolerable, untreatable suffering at an advanced or terminal stage of illness.

Requests for assisted dying must be made voluntarily and reaffirmed after a reflection period. A team of medical professionals would assess eligibility. If approved, a doctor could prescribe the medication, which may be administered by the patient or — in cases where they are physically unable — by a doctor or nurse. The medication could be taken at home, in a nursing home, or a healthcare facility.

The bill now moves to the French Senate for further debate, a process that could take months due to the country’s complex legislative procedures. However, the National Assembly holds the power to have the final say in the event of disagreement between the two chambers.

Public support for assisted dying legislation is strong. Opinion polls indicate that over 90% of the French population supports granting terminally ill patients the legal right to end their lives. Support has grown steadily over the past two decades, according to a 2023 government-commissioned report.

Debate on end-of-life legislation was delayed last year when President Macron dissolved the National Assembly, triggering months of political uncertainty. With Tuesday’s vote, momentum appears to have returned to the long-running national conversation over the right to die with dignity.