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France's parliament set to approve bill allowing medically assisted dying

France’s parliament set to approve bill allowing medically assisted dyingFrance to vote on assisted dying bill; critics warn of risks - all about Macron-backed end-of-life care

France's National Assembly is set to give final approval Wednesday to a bill allowing adults with incurable illnesses to receive lethal medication, ending years of debate over end-of-life care.

The legislation marks a major shift in the country's approach to medical ethics, as it permits life-ending treatment under strict conditions for those facing terminal suffering.

Critics and Religious Groups

Critics and religious groups argue the bill poses serious risks to vulnerable patients and could undermine the value of life, warning that legalizing lethal medication for incurable illness may lead to abuse or coercion despite strict conditions.

  • France has previously rejected similar assisted dying measures, with the 2016 'Claeys-Leonetti' law allowing only deep sedation and withholding treatment, not active administration of lethal drugs.
  • The bill's passage follows a 2023 national consultation on end-of-life care that gathered over 100,000 citizen responses, with a majority supporting the right to medically assisted dying for incurable conditions.
  • Macron's government has prioritized the legislation as part of broader human rights reforms, positioning France alongside countries like Belgium and the Netherlands that already permit similar practices.