FRANCE VOTES TO LEGALISE ASSISTED DYING UNDER STRICT CONDITIONS

France's National Assembly voted 291 to 241 to approve legislation permitting assisted dying for adults with serious, incurable, life-threatening illnesses in advanced or terminal stages. The bill had been rejected three times by the Senate before Wednesday's vote. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is to refer parts of the legislation to France's Constitutional Council for examination before it becomes law.

Under the proposed framework, a patient must be experiencing constant physical or psychological suffering that is unbearable or resistant to treatment. The individual would express their intention to a doctor, who would make a decision within 15 days. After a two-day reflection period, the patient must administer a lethal substance themselves, although a doctor or nurse may do so if the patient is unable. A physician must verify the patient's decision on the day the procedure takes place.

France would join several other European nations that have decriminalised assisted dying in some form if the bill becomes law. The Netherlands and Belgium legalised the practice in 2002 for people experiencing unbearable suffering from incurable illness. Switzerland has long permitted assisted suicide where the person assisting acts unselfishly. The issue has been contentious in France, with opposition from the Catholic Church and segments of the medical profession. A similar debate has taken place in the UK, where a bill to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales stalled earlier this year and is scheduled to return to Parliament in September.