France Lower House Approves Assisted Dying Bill

France's lower house of parliament has approved a landmark assisted dying bill, marking a significant step toward legalizing medical assistance for terminally ill adults to end their lives under strict conditions. The legislation, supported by President Emmanuel Macron, grants this right to French residents over 18 who suffer from incurable, advanced, or terminal illnesses causing intolerable physical or psychological pain, with safeguards excluding cases of psychological suffering alone or certain conditions like severe psychiatric disorders and Alzheimer's. Patients must voluntarily express their wish to die, with the option to self-administer lethal medication or receive assistance if physically unable, while healthcare workers can opt out on conscientious grounds. The bill, passed by 305 votes to 199, will undergo further debate between the National Assembly and Senate, with the possibility of a referendum due to its divisive nature, particularly opposition from conservative groups. If enacted, France would join a small group of European nations, including Germany, Spain, Austria, and Switzerland, that permit assisted dying, ending the need for French patients to travel abroad for such services. Alongside this, a separate, unanimously approved bill aims to strengthen palliative care to relieve pain and preserve patient dignity at the end of life.