France is poised to finalize a significant shift in its end-of-life policy as the National Assembly prepares for a decisive vote on Wednesday. The proposed legislation would grant adults suffering from grave, incurable illnesses the legal right to receive lethal medication to end their lives. This vote marks the culmination of years of intense parliamentary debate and public discussion, representing a major milestone for President Emmanuel Macron, who has championed the reform throughout his second term.
The path to this final stage has been arduous, characterized by repeated disagreements between the National Assembly and the Senate. While the lower house has consistently supported the bill, the Senate has rejected it multiple times, leading to a legislative stalemate. Under the French constitution, the government has authorized the National Assembly to have the final say, bypassing the need for the Senate's assent. This move underscores the government's determination to move forward despite persistent opposition.
Under the current text, access to assisted dying is restricted to adults who are French citizens or residents. Patients must be suffering from a life-threatening, incurable illness in an advanced or terminal stage, accompanied by constant, intolerable, and untreatable pain. A team of medical professionals must verify that the patient is making the request of their own free will. Notably, the final version excludes psychological suffering as a standalone criterion for access.
If the bill passes, it will not immediately become law. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has already referred the legislation to the Constitutional Council, France's highest constitutional authority. The Council will review the text to ensure it aligns with the nation's fundamental laws. This judicial oversight serves as a final check on the legislation, potentially leading to modifications or reservations before the law can be formally promulgated.