The French lower house of parliament has recently taken a significant step by approving a right-to-die bill in its initial reading. This vote marks the beginning of a lengthy journey toward providing medical assistance for individuals who wish to end their lives under clearly defined circumstances.
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With a resounding 305 votes in favor, the legislation has garnered support from President Emmanuel Macron. However, it has also faced opposition from some conservative factions, with 199 deputies voting against the bill.
In his remarks on the matter, President Macron emphasized the importance of the vote, stating, “This is a crucial step on the path of fraternity.” He reiterated this sentiment on social media, stating, “The National Assembly’s vote concerning palliative care and assisted dying exemplifies progress. The path of fraternity that I envisioned is gradually unfolding.” Macron maintains that any approval for assisted dying should be strictly limited to those suffering from incurable illnesses or severe physical or psychological pain.
In a symbolic gesture, a prayer vigil took place at the National Assembly to protest the proposed assisted dying bill. If enacted, France would join a select group of European nations, including Germany, Spain, Austria, and Switzerland, in allowing aid in dying. Until now, French citizens seeking to end their lives have often traveled abroad, particularly to Belgium.
A separate bill, addressing end-of-life medical assistance and palliative care, passed unanimously, showcasing a more unified stance among parliamentary members. Indeed, all political parties have granted their members a free vote on the issue, indicating the complexity of opinions surrounding this deeply personal topic.
The debate in France tends to revolve around terms like “end of life” or “aid in dying,” rather than “assisted suicide” or “euthanasia.” Introduced by Macron ally Olivier Falorni, the bill allows healthcare professionals to assist individuals in obtaining a lethal substance, provided the patient has explicitly expressed such a desire. Should the individual be unable to administer it themselves, a qualified medical professional would facilitate the process.
Health Minister Catherine Vautrin reassured that any French model of assisted dying would be “strict and closely supervised.” Last year, President Macron articulated the need for legislation in this area, stating, “There are situations you cannot humanely accept,” while also aiming to “reconcile the autonomy of the individual with the solidarity of the nation.”
Nonetheless, the bill is expected to face considerable opposition from religious leaders in this predominantly Catholic nation, as well as from many healthcare professionals. Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, a devout Catholic, indicated he would abstain from voting, citing ongoing uncertainties.
The proposed law stipulates that assisted dying would only be permissible at an “advanced” stage of illness—defined as entering an irreversible decline that significantly impacts the patient’s quality of life. Under current French law, passive euthanasia, such as withholding artificial life support, is allowed, and since 2016, doctors have been permitted to induce deep, continuous sedation for patients in extreme pain. However, active euthanasia remains illegal.
Minister Vautrin expresses hope that the Senate will begin to review the bill this year, aiming to submit modifications to the National Assembly by early 2026. “I want this bill to receive a final vote by 2027, which remains feasible,” she remarked, as France gears up for presidential elections that year, in which Mr. Macron will not be eligible to run after two consecutive terms.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
