Overview

• French lawmakers approved a proposal establishing a right to palliative care, including the creation of intermediary care structures known as 'maisons d’accompagnement'.
• An amendment was passed allowing patients seeking assisted dying to choose between self-administration of lethal medication or administration by a healthcare professional.
• Concerns persist over vague eligibility criteria, such as 'affection grave et incurable' and 'phase avancée', which critics argue could broaden access beyond exceptional cases.
• The Haute Autorité de Santé is expected to issue an opinion soon to clarify key ambiguities in the assisted dying legislation, including prognostic criteria and eligibility requirements.
• Final votes on both proposals are scheduled for late May 2025, following further parliamentary review after the current recess.