• France's National Assembly has passed an assisted dying bill with a vote of 291 to 241.
• The legislation allows adults with incurable illnesses to request assisted dying under strict conditions.
• Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will refer the bill to the Constitutional Council for review before it can become law.
• The bill mandates a two-day reflection period for patients before final consent.
• Supporters hail it as a progressive reform, while critics express concerns about potential abuses.

France's National Assembly has approved a landmark bill establishing the right to assisted dying for adults with incurable conditions, marking the culmination of a long-standing debate on end-of-life care legislation. The final vote saw 291 members in favor and 241 against, a significant step following months of parliamentary discussions and multiple rejections by the Sénat, which had opposed the legislation three times. President Emmanuel Macron announced the introduction of assisted dying legislation over three years ago, reflecting a shift in the country's approach to end-of-life issues, according to Le Monde and India Times.

This new legislation allows patients who meet specific criteria to seek assisted dying under strict regulations. Eligible individuals must suffer from "serious and incurable" illnesses resulting in unbearable suffering, either physically or psychologically. Notably, applicants will be required to manifest their intention under medical supervision, and only those over 18 with full legal capacity can make such requests. The procedure also stipulates that a doctor will evaluate the patient’s condition within a 15-day period, with final consent required after a mandatory two-day reflection time, according to BBC and India Times.

Following the approval, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced plans to refer parts of the legislation to the Constitutional Council for review, ensuring constitutional compliance before the law's enactment. This step may take up to one month and will focus on crucial aspects of the law, including the reflection period's duration and the consent protocols for patients unable to make decisions due to impaired judgment. Such reviews are important as France prepares to potentially join other European nations that have embraced similar end-of-life options, including the Netherlands and Belgium, as noted by Le Monde and BBC.

Supporters of the bill argue it grants patients greater autonomy over their end-of-life decisions while maintaining safeguards to minimize risks. Organizations advocating for the right to die with dignity have welcomed the law, asserting it empowers individuals to end suffering consciously. Conversely, critics—including various religious groups and some lawmakers—have raised alarms about potential abuses, fearing vulnerable populations may face undue pressure to choose assisted dying. They emphasize that psychological suffering alone does not qualify for assisted dying, a point underscored during heated parliamentary discussions, according to India Times and India Times.