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French Parliamentary Commission Approves Aid-in-Dying Bill with Strict Conditions

The proposed legislation, advancing to plenary debate on May 12, would allow terminally ill adults to choose assisted or self-administered death under tightly regulated criteria.

Olivier Falorni, député français du Mouvement démocrate (MoDem), à l’Assemblée nationale française, à Paris, le 18 juillet 2024.
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Overview

  • The Social Affairs Commission of the French National Assembly approved the aid-in-dying bill on May 2 by a vote of 28 to 15, with one abstention.
  • The bill outlines five cumulative eligibility criteria, including being an adult with a serious, incurable illness causing unbearable suffering and the ability to make an informed decision.
  • Patients would have the option to self-administer a lethal substance or receive assistance from a willing healthcare provider, a provision that has drawn criticism from conservative lawmakers.
  • The aid-in-dying bill will be debated in the National Assembly starting May 12, alongside a separate palliative care bill, with final votes scheduled for May 29.
  • The legislation has strong backing from left-wing and Macronist deputies, while facing staunch opposition from RN and LR representatives, highlighting deep political and ethical divides.