France Enacts Assisted Dying Law

France’s new assisted dying law has come into force after years of political and social debate. President Emmanuel Macron signed the law on August 18, and it was published in the Official Gazette on August 19. The law allows French citizens and permanent legal residents aged 18 or above to seek medical assistance in dying under strict conditions. They must have a serious and incurable illness that is life-threatening and at an advanced or terminal stage. The illness must also cause severe physical suffering that cannot be controlled by treatment.

Applicants must be mentally capable of making and communicating a free decision. They can withdraw their request at any stage. Patients will normally take the medication themselves. A doctor or nurse may administer it if they are physically unable to do so. Healthcare workers and certain private or religious institutions can refuse to participate on conscientious grounds. The Constitutional Council upheld the law on August 14. However, practical implementation still requires detailed regulations.