France's Constitutional Council approves assisted dying law in full

Published Aug 14, 02:15 PM UTC

France's Constitutional Council has upheld in its entirety the legislation granting adults with incurable conditions the right to assisted dying, marking a victory for President Emmanuel Macron. The law, passed by parliament in mid-July after years of debate, requires patients to be of legal age, French nationals or long-term residents, and suffering from treatment-resistant or unbearable pain. A physician verifies eligibility, followed by a panel assessment. Patients must wait at least two days and confirm their choice on the procedure day, with the right to withdraw consent at any time. The patient administers a lethal substance themselves, with exceptions for those physically unable to do so, who may be assisted by a healthcare worker. The Council identified three 'interpretative reservations' requiring clarification, including the conscience clause for healthcare professionals and private facilities, but did not demand a rewrite of the text. France joins the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada in legalizing the practice.