France passes the law on end-of-life care
The measure authorises adults with terminal illnesses to receive lethal medication, in line with other European countries that regulate euthanasia and assisted suicide.
The French National Assembly has given the green light to the end-of-life bill. The bill was finally passed by a narrow majority (291 votes in favour, 241 against). The measure, which will allow adults suffering from incurable illnesses to receive lethal medication, is now due to be examined by the Constitutional Council.
The measure will apply only to patients aged 18 or over, French nationals or legal residents in France, suffering from a serious and incurable illness at an advanced or terminal stage.
France thus joins the ranks of European countries that authorise assisted suicide or euthanasia, subject to certain conditions, such as Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Canada and Uruguay.
The law had been announced by French President Emmanuel Macron over three years ago.
