France joins Canada and European nations in legalising assisted dying

France has formally adopted legislation giving some incurably ill adults the right to assisted dying after the country's highest constitutional authority approved the law.

The legislation, officially described as an “end of life” or “aid in dying” law, was published on Wednesday following years of debate.

It allows French nationals and long-term residents of legal age with incurable conditions causing unbearable pain to seek assisted dying.

A doctor must first determine whether a patient is eligible before a panel assesses whether the legal criteria have been met.

Approved patients must wait at least two days and confirm their decision on the day of the procedure.

Patients can withdraw consent at any time. They must administer the lethal substance themselves unless physically unable, in which case a healthcare professional can assist.

President Emmanuel Macron, who promised right-to-die legislation during his 2022 re-election campaign, said its adoption “concludes an exemplary democratic debate”.

France's Constitutional Council upheld the legislation last Friday following legal challenges. It also clarified a “conscience clause” allowing doctors, nurses and pharmacists to refuse participation.

According to the Guardian, the Jereme Lejeune Foundation expressed “outrage”, while other opponents described the legislation as “an absolute danger to the most vulnerable”.