Tue May 27 19:13:37 UTC 2025: ## French Parliament Approves First Reading of Right-to-Die Bill Amidst Strong Public Support
**Paris, France** – France’s National Assembly has taken a significant step towards legalizing assisted dying by approving a right-to-die bill in its first reading on Tuesday. The controversial legislation, which grants patients with terminal illnesses the right to medical assistance to end their lives under specific circumstances, passed with 305 lawmakers voting in favor and 199 against.
The bill, supported by President Emmanuel Macron, faces further scrutiny in the Senate, where lengthy debates are expected. Despite opposition from some conservative groups, the legislation is widely expected to pass due to overwhelming public support. Polls indicate that over 90% of French citizens favor laws granting terminally ill individuals the right to choose how they die.
President Macron hailed the vote as “an important step” on “the path of fraternity,” emphasizing the need to respect diverse opinions throughout the legislative process.
The proposed law defines assisted dying as providing lethal medication to eligible patients who can administer it themselves. Those unable to do so due to physical limitations would be assisted by a doctor or nurse.
To qualify, patients must be over 18, either French citizens or residents, and be diagnosed with a severe and incurable illness in an advanced or terminal stage. They must also be experiencing unbearable and untreatable pain, and express a clear and voluntary wish for lethal medication. The diagnosis and request must be confirmed by a team of medical professionals. The bill specifically excludes individuals with severe psychiatric conditions and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.
The process involves an initial request for lethal medication, followed by a reflection period. If approved, a doctor would issue a prescription, and the medication could be administered at home, in a nursing home, or a healthcare facility.
The renewed push for the legislation follows years of growing public support for end-of-life options in France. Initial parliamentary discussions were previously stalled last year by President Macron’s decision to dissolve the National Assembly, triggering a period of political uncertainty. With the current momentum and overwhelming public backing, the right-to-die bill appears poised to become law in France, joining a growing list of countries legalizing assisted dying.
First Piper 