France Approves Assisted Dying Bill
France’s National Assembly on Wednesday gave final approval to a landmark assisted-dying bill, clearing a major parliamentary hurdle in one of the country’s most divisive social reforms.
Footage shows lawmakers gathering in the chamber before National Assembly President Yael Braun-Pivet announced the result.
“Votes cast: 561. Votes counted: 532. Majority required: 267. In favour: 291. Against: 241. The National Assembly has adopted the bill,” Braun-Pivet announced after the vote.
Strict Conditions Included
Lawmakers applauded, while some opponents left the chamber in protest.
The bill would allow adults with a serious and incurable illness in an advanced or terminal stage to request assistance in dying under strict conditions.
Applicants must be French citizens or legal residents, capable of making a free and informed decision, and experiencing constant, unbearable suffering that cannot be relieved. Psychological suffering alone would not qualify.
Patients would normally administer the lethal medication themselves. A doctor or nurse could do so if the patient were physically unable.
Bill Faces Final Review
The legislation also includes a conscience clause allowing medical professionals to refuse to take part, although they must direct patients towards another practitioner.
The vote follows years of political and ethical debate. The Senate rejected the legislation three times, but the National Assembly had the final say.
The bill is now expected to go before France’s Constitutional Council, which has around a month to rule on whether it complies with the constitution. It could then be promulgated into law.
France would join a number of countries that permit some form of assisted dying, including Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Canada and Ecuador.
French National Assembly , via Viory.Video
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