France adopts key article on assisted dying, removing ‘constant suffering’ requirement
PARIS (AP) – France’s National Assembly on Friday passed a pivotal article of legislation concerning assisted dying, defining five cumulative criteria for eligibility while removing the stipulation of “constant suffering.” The move marks a significant step forward in a debate that has deeply divided French society and sparked passionate arguments across the political spectrum.
The article, central to the proposed law, was approved by a vote of 55 to 31, following its rejection by the Senate. Deputies had already voted Thursday to establish the right to assisted dying, a landmark decision reflecting evolving attitudes towards end-of-life care.
Under the current text, individuals seeking access to assisted dying must meet five conditions: be of legal age, be a French citizen or resident, suffer from a “serious and incurable” condition that “threatens vital prognosis” in an advanced or terminal stage, be capable of expressing their will freely and knowingly, and experience physical or psychological suffering that is “either refractory to treatment or unbearable.”
The removal of the “constant suffering” requirement proved to be the most contentious point. Amendments proposed by Socialist and left-wing “La France Insoumise” (LFI) lawmakers, and ultimately supported by the government, eliminated the phrase.
René Pilato, a deputy from LFI, argued that imposing such a requirement was problematic. “To impose this word means reducing the possibility of granting [this right] when we are unable to measure it scientifically and physically,” he stated. Health Minister Stéphanie Rist echoed this sentiment, noting that “pain oscillates throughout the day.”
However, opposition lawmakers expressed concern. Nathalie Colin-Oesterlé of the Horizons party argued the precision of “constant suffering” should have been maintained, claiming it created no legal ambiguity. Théo Bernhardt of the Rassemblement National (RN) denounced the change as “insane.”
Another point of contention revolves around psychological suffering. Some deputies attempted to clarify that psychological suffering alone would not qualify an individual for assisted dying, but these amendments were rejected. The government has called for further deliberation on this issue, scheduled for Tuesday.
The debate comes as France grapples with an aging population and increasing demand for palliative care. According to the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), approximately 2.4 million people die in France each year, and a significant percentage experience prolonged suffering from incurable illnesses. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that 40 million people require palliative care each year, with that number expected to rise.
[Embed X/Twitter post from a prominent French politician discussing the vote – if available. Example: “🇫🇷 Important vote today in the National Assembly on assisted dying. We must ensure dignity and choice for those facing unbearable suffering. #aidedying #France” – Replace with actual post]
The National Assembly will continue examining the bill Friday, focusing on the procedures for requesting and confirming the patient’s wishes, and the process by which a physician assesses the request. The legislation, if passed, would represent a significant shift in French law and provide a framework for individuals facing unbearable suffering to exercise control over their end-of-life decisions.
The bill builds on previous French laws concerning end-of-life care, including the 2016 Leonetti Law, which legalized end-of-life sedation for terminally ill patients. This new legislation aims to go further, offering a proactive option for those who meet the stringent criteria.
[Embed YouTube video explaining the details of the proposed law – if available. Search for “loi aide à mourir explication” on YouTube]
This story includes reporting from Le Monde and the Associated Press.
