France Votes to Let Terminally Ill Patients Commit Suicide

France has approved a bill to legalize assisted dying/suicide for eligible terminally ill patients under strict conditions, BBC reported.

Lawmakers passed the legislation by 291 votes to 241, despite repeated opposition from the Senate. The bill must now undergo a constitutional review before it can become law.

Under the proposed legislation, assisted dying would be available only to adults suffering from a serious, incurable, life-threatening illness in an advanced or terminal stage that causes unbearable physical or psychological suffering despite treatment.

Patients would have to voluntarily request the procedure, after which a doctor would assess eligibility and consult other medical professionals within 15 days. Following a mandatory two-day reflection period, the patient would normally administer the prescribed life-ending medication. If physically unable, a doctor or nurse could assist.

The legislation has divided politicians, religious groups and parts of the medical community, although opinion polls indicate broad public support. If enacted, France would join several European countries that permit assisted dying under regulated legal frameworks.