France Approves Assisted Dying Legislation

After years of discussions and setbacks, French lawmakers voted on Wednesday to move forward with assisted dying, a long-promised change under President Emmanuel Macron.

The debate over the “assisted dying” law and the legalization of euthanasia has been a significant topic in France. Before this week’s approval, the bill had been passed three times by Congress but faced rejection in the Senate each time, including a recent defeat just last week.

The process was quite convoluted, with the bill circulating through parliament three times before the final vote. On Wednesday, the French National Assembly approved it with 291 votes in favor and 241 against; 29 lawmakers chose to abstain.

Reports indicate that members from the political left and supporters of Macron backed the legislation, while right-leaning MPs expressed strong opposition, particularly to the euthanasia aspect.

While this new law is regarded as less expansive compared to Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) program, it permits euthanasia for French adults or legal residents who are suffering from “serious and incurable” conditions that are “advanced or terminal.” The BBC noted that applicants must endure “ongoing physical or mental suffering that is intolerable or resistant to treatment.”

Individuals wishing to pursue assisted death must communicate their intentions clearly to a doctor and go through an assessment process. After 15 days, a decision is required before proceeding. Crucially, the patient is responsible for administering the lethal substance themselves; if they’re unable to do so, medical personnel can assist.

President Macron praised the bill’s passage in a social media statement, reflecting on his advocacy for euthanasia in France since 2022. He expressed gratitude for all those who had shared their personal stories, stating that these testimonies significantly influenced the new law.

In contrast, the Catholic Church in France condemned the vote. In a two-page statement, the Church characterized the approval as a “grave rupture” in the nation’s history, criticizing the decision to write the possibility of inducing death into French law.

The Church voiced concerns that this law could harm society’s view of vulnerable populations, creating pressure on the sick, impoverished, and elderly to end their lives out of fear of being a burden. Furthermore, it urged Catholic medical institutions to adhere to ethical practices that oppose euthanasia.

Additionally, Catholic media outlets reported that Pope Leo XIV had reached out to President Macron multiple times, urging him to reconsider supporting the assisted dying legislation. The Pope is scheduled to visit France from September 25th to 28th at Macron’s invitation; they had met earlier this year at the Vatican.