France's lower house approved an assisted-dying bill for some terminally ill adults, 291-241.
Why it matters: The vote moves France closer to a new end-of-life regime after years of debate over autonomy, suffering and medical ethics. The measure now faces constitutional review, and its narrow scope will be closely watched in Europe.
- Lawmakers passed the bill July 15 by a 291-241 vote.
- The measure covers adults with a serious and incurable illness in an advanced or terminal stage.
- Patients may self-administer a lethal substance, or have it administered by a doctor or nurse if physically unable.
- The government said the prime minister will refer parts of the bill to the Constitutional Council.
France's National Assembly gave final approval on July 15 to an assisted-dying bill after years of debate, according to AP. The lower house voted 291-241, Euronews reported.
The adopted text creates a right to assisted dying for adults with a serious and incurable illness in an advanced or terminal stage, under strict conditions, according to Le Monde. The legislative text published by the National Assembly says the person must be an adult and may self-administer a lethal substance or, if physically unable, have it administered by a doctor or nurse in the chamber's adopted version.
The bill also says health professionals who participate under its conditions would not face legal responsibility, according to the Assembly document. France's previous end-of-life law allowed doctors to use sedation that may shorten life, but did not permit assisted suicide or euthanasia, under the 2005 law still in force before this vote.
The French government said the prime minister will refer parts of the bill to the Constitutional Council after the vote, leaving legal scrutiny still to come in its statement. President Emmanuel Macron separately welcomed the debate, saying, "We are facing death head on," and adding that on an issue "as personal as it is profound, touching on life, suffering and dignity," lawmakers needed time to "listen, engage in dialogue and debate" in the same government-published remarks.
Yes, but: The bill still faces constitutional review, and its application is limited to adults with serious, incurable illnesses in an advanced or terminal stage.
What's next: The prime minister is expected to refer parts of the bill to the Constitutional Council.