French parliament's pivotal vote on assisted dying bill
The French parliament has passed the "assistance in dying" bill in its first reading. Supporters have called it a "historic moment," while opponents regard it as crossing a significant boundary. No faction in the National Assembly voted unanimously on this matter.
What do you need to know?
- The "assistance in dying" bill has been approved in its first reading by the French parliament, prompting varied reactions among lawmakers and the public.
- The vote divided parliamentary factions. The bill was supported by 305 deputies, while 199 voted against it.
- The bill aims to legalise assisted dying and, in some cases, euthanasia for patients with terminal illnesses in advanced stages.
Following the vote in parliament, Claire Thoury of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) described the moment as "historic on a democratic level."
The Association for the Right to Die with Dignity (ADMD) expressed satisfaction, seeing it as a hope for an end of life "without unrelieved suffering and unnecessary agony."
Meanwhile, the French Association for Palliative Care (SFAP) expressed regret, stating that the bill fundamentally changes the mission of caregivers for the terminally ill.
Which factions supported the bill?
The bill split factions in the National Assembly. The far-left France Unbowed and the Ecologist faction nearly unanimously supported the bill. Among the socialists, 66 deputies were "for," four "against," and two abstained.
The Together faction, associated with President Emmanuel Macron, gathered 64 votes "for," 11 "against," with 14 abstaining.
The traditional right, represented by the Republicans party, mostly voted "against," but seven deputies supported the bill.
France close to legalising "assistance in dying"
If the provisions are finally adopted, France will become another European country to legalise assisted dying (considered as making lethal substances available to terminally ill individuals).
The bill also provides, in some cases, for the possibility of euthanasia - meaning a physician administering such a substance to a patient.
In both cases, it would concern patients whose illness is incurable and in an advanced stage, causing unrelievable suffering.
