French Parliament passes assisted dying law for terminally ill adults

A bill introduced in the state legislature this week seeks to legalize physician‑assisted dying for terminally ill adults who satisfy a set of stringent requirements. The proposal, sponsored by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, would add a new option for patients with a prognosis of six months or less to live, provided they are capable of making informed medical decisions and submit multiple written requests separated by a mandatory waiting period.

The legislation outlines specific safeguards, including confirmation of diagnosis by at least two physicians, a psychological evaluation to rule out coercion or impaired judgment, and a review by an ethics committee before any medication is prescribed. If passed, the bill would align the state with a growing number of jurisdictions that have enacted similar assisted‑dying statutes. Lawmakers are scheduled to debate the measure in the upcoming session, after which it would require approval from both chambers and the governor’s signature to become law.