France's National Assembly has given final approval to legislation creating a legal right to assisted dying for eligible adults with incurable illnesses, marking a significant step in the country's long-running debate over end-of-life care.
The bill passed the lower house on Wednesday by 291 votes to 241 after multiple parliamentary readings, though it will not become law unless it is approved by the Constitutional Council.
The legislation would allow eligible patients to receive lethal medication under strict conditions, either through self-administration or, if physically unable, with assistance from a doctor or nurse.
President Emmanuel Macron said the vote fulfilled a commitment he made in 2022 following years of public consultation and parliamentary debate.
The legislation limits access to adults who are French citizens or legal residents suffering from a serious, incurable, life-threatening illness in an advanced or terminal stage.
Applicants must experience constant physical or psychological suffering linked to their condition, be capable of making a "free and informed" decision, and personally initiate the request.
Psychological suffering alone would not qualify, while people with severe psychiatric disorders or neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's would be excluded.
Doctors would be required to consult a team of healthcare professionals before deciding on an application, which must also include a reflection period before approval.
If authorized, patients could choose to receive the medication at home or in a healthcare facility, with costs covered by France's national health insurance system.
Supporters say the measure gives patients greater autonomy while maintaining strict safeguards for vulnerable people.
Opponents, including conservative lawmakers, religious groups and anti-euthanasia organizations, argue the legislation could expose vulnerable people to pressure and say greater investment should instead be directed toward palliative care.
France's Senate rejected the proposal, but under the country's legislative process, the National Assembly has the final say when the two chambers disagree.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu and Senate President Gérard Larcher said the legislation would be referred to the Constitutional Council, which has up to one month to determine whether it complies with the French Constitution before it can take effect.