The French Parliament has approved a law granting adults with incurable illnesses the right to assisted dying, often referred to as “euthanasia.” The law took effect following approval by the Constitutional Council and its publication in the Official Gazette.
The law applies to patients over the age of 18 who suffer from an incurable disease at an advanced or terminal stage that causes substantial and unbearable suffering.
The right is granted to French citizens and long-term residents. A medical committee is expected to assess the patient’s eligibility before a specialized committee determines whether the legal conditions have been met.
If the request is approved, a minimum two-day waiting period applies. During this period, the patient must confirm their decision on the scheduled day.
The patient is expected to take the life-ending substance themselves. A doctor or nurse may administer it only if the patient is physically unable to do so.
Patients retain the right to withdraw from the process at any time, while healthcare workers may refuse to participate.
With this move, France joins a small group of countries that have officially recognized assisted dying under specific regulations, including the Netherlands, Switzerland, Canada and Belgium.
French President Emmanuel Macron had pledged to enact the legislation after being re-elected for a second term in 2022.
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