The French lower house of parliament has passed a bill that permits adults suffering from incurable illnesses to access lethal medication, a reflection of increasing calls for legal end-of-life options across Europe. The bill allows assisted dying under strict conditions, requiring patient consent and medical confirmation of their situation. While the National Assembly's support is significant, further discussions are needed in the Senate before final approval. Advocates have voiced concern over the protracted legislative process, which they believe hampers timely access to care for those in need of end-of-life options.
"I'm thinking of all the patients and their loved ones that I've met over more than a decade. Many are no longer here and they always told me: Keep fighting," said Olivier Falorni, the general rapporteur of the bill, amid applause from fellow lawmakers.
Only those whose physical condition doesn't allow them to do it alone would be able to get help from a doctor or a nurse.
Activists have criticised the complexity and length of the parliamentary process that they say is penalising patients waiting for end-of-life options.
To benefit, patients would need to be over 18 and be French citizens or live in France.
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