France’s lower house backs assisted dying bill

PARIS: France´s lower house on Tuesday approved a right-to-die bill in the first reading, the initial step in a lengthy process that could grant patients medical assistance to end their lives in clearly defined circumstances.

“The National Assembly´s vote on legislation concerning the development of palliative care and assisted dying is an important step,” President Emmanuel Macron said on X after 305 lawmakers approved the legislation and 199 voted against.

“With respect for sensitivities, doubts and hopes, the path of fraternity that I hoped for is gradually opening up.” Macron has insisted that any authorisation to choose death should be limited to people with incurable illnesses and intense physical or psychological pain.

The National Assembly vote was an initial stage for the draft law, which will now go between the lower house and the Senate for modifications acceptable to both houses. Some conservative groups oppose the law and Macron has said he could put the deeply divisive topic to a vote by referendum.

If approved, France would join a small group of European countries that give the right to aid in dying, including Germany, Spain, Austria and Switzerland. Until now, French patients wishing to end their lives have had to travel abroad, including to neighbouring Belgium.

A separate bill, submitted at the same time and concerned with end-of-life medical assistance including palliative care, passed on Tuesday without opposition. All parties in parliament have allowed their lawmakers a free vote on the issue.