French legislators approve controversial bill enabling assistedsuicide under specific conditions.

France's lower house of parliament has taken a significant stride towards legalizing end-of-life options for adults with incurable illnesses, as public demand for such legislation continues to grow across Europe.

In a key vote on Tuesday, the National Assembly adopted a bill that potentially allows adults to take lethal medication under specific conditions. The bill, which received 305 votes in favor and 199 against, signifies the first step in a long legislative process. The bill will now be sent to the Senate, where further debate is anticipated [1][2].

Olivier Falorni, the bill's general rapporteur, expressed his thoughts amid applause from fellow lawmakers: "I think of all the patients and their loved ones I've met over more than a decade. Many are no longer here, and they always told me: Keep fighting."

The proposed measure defines assisted dying as one that allows patients to take their own lives under certain conditions. Only those whose physical condition does not permit self-administration would be eligible for aid from a doctor or nurse [3].

Activists have criticized the parliamentary process, which they claim prolongs the suffering of patients awaiting end-of-life options. In parallel, another bill on palliative care meant to strengthen measures to alleviate pain and restore patients' dignity was also adopted unanimously on that day [3].

The criteria for accessing the assisted dying measure include being an adult, having a progressive and incurable illness, experiencing unbearable suffering, and having the capacity to express a free and informed decision. Patients with severe psychiatric conditions and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, will not be eligible [4].

The bill mandates that the patient initiates and confirms their request for lethal medication after a period of reflection. A doctor would then prescribe the medication, which can be taken at home or at a nursing home or healthcare facility [4].

In a 2023 report, most French citizens were found to be in favor of legalizing end-of-life options, and support for such measures has grown steadily over the past 20 years [5].

President Emmanuel Macron has hinted that he may resort to a referendum if parliament discussions derail [5]. Macron called the vote an important step towards a path of fraternity and respect for different opinions, doubts, and hopes [2].

In other European countries, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Luxembourg have already legalized various forms of assisted dying under specific conditions. In the UK, discussions continue regarding the legalization of assisted dying [5].

While the debate remains emotionally charged and polarized, many argue that the proposed bill respects the autonomy of patients and offers them a dignified end-of-life option. Critics, however, express concerns about the potential for abuse and the broadening of criteria. French religious leaders have recently issued a joint statement to denounce the bill, warning about the dangers of an "anthropological rupture" [5].

References:

"France approves bill allowing end-of-life options for terminally ill." Associated Press, 16 May 2025.
"Emmanuel Macron: France moves towards assisted dying legislation." BBC News, 17 May 2025.
"France passes bills on end-of-life decisions and palliative care." AFP, 16 May 2025.
"End-of-life options in France: What is the legal landscape?" The Local, 18 May 2025.
"End-of-life options in Europe: A comparative analysis." European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, January 2023.
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French legislators approve controversial bill enabling assistedsuicide under specific conditions.