France's Constitutional Council Approves Assisted Dying Bill
France's Constitutional Council on Friday approved the law on assisted suicide, though some provisions need clarification. The legislation would allow terminally ill patients facing unbearable suffering to end their lives with medical help.
France's Constitutional Council approved the law that legalizes assisted suicide on Friday, while stressing that certain rules must be refined.
In particular, the "conscience clause" must be clarified, which allows health professionals to refuse participation in the procedure. The council said the clause should also apply to private healthcare institutions where euthanasia is "clearly contrary" to their mission, provided they are not the only facilities able to meet local needs.
The National Assembly adopted the law on July 15. It grants terminally ill patients with unbearable pain the right to assisted suicide.
Patients must express their wish to die freely and unambiguously, fully aware of the consequences. A multidisciplinary committee, including medical professionals, must evaluate this request. A doctor has two weeks to inform the patient of the decision. After a two-day reflection period, the patient must confirm their wish again.
The lethal substance must be self-administered whenever the patient is physically capable. If not, a doctor or nurse may administer it. Medical staff may refuse due to their conscience and delegate this task to colleagues.
The right is limited to adults living in France. Before the law takes effect, the Constitutional Council was required to assess it at the request of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.
