French National Assembly Passes Bill Allowing Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults

According to Lianhe Zaobao, the French National Assembly on Wednesday passed a bill granting terminally ill adults the legal right to assisted dying. The legislation, approved by a vote of 291 to 241, allows individuals with incurable, life-threatening diseases in advanced or terminal stages to receive lethal medication, either self-administered or administered by a doctor or nurse if the patient is physically unable to do so. Eligibility is limited to French citizens or legal residents who are capable of making a free and informed choice and are suffering from persistent physical and mental pain due to their condition. The vote completes the parliamentary process for a proposal first made by President Emmanuel Macron over three years ago, placing France among a small group of countries—including the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada—that permit assisted dying. A February poll by Ifop found that 84% of French people support the measure. Supporters argue it gives patients greater autonomy over their end-of-life choices while maintaining strict safeguards, while opponents, including some medical professionals and the Catholic Church, warn it could pressure vulnerable individuals.