French Deputies Approve Key Proposals on End-of-Life Care and Assisted Dying

Legislators advance measures to expand palliative care access and assisted dying options, with critical definitions awaiting health authority review.

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.