Aid-in-Dying Vote Sparks Historic Medical Debate

Medscape

2 days ago

A wide-ranging majority of deputies in the National Assembly approved a bill authorising assisted suicide and euthanasia.
The phrase may be overused, but it is no exaggeration to call it a historic day for the Assembly — on par with the legalisation of abortion or same-sex marriage.
After 2 weeks of review and nearly 100 hours of debate, the lower house of Parliament passed the assisted dying bill by 305 votes in favour and 199 against. Right- and far-right Members of Parliament (MPs) largely opposed it, while those from the centre and left voted in favour.
However, as all political groups gave their members the freedom to vote on this extremely complex issue, some MPs did not hesitate to vote against their party's line.
Nineteen MPs from the National Rally, including Sébastien Chenu and Jean-Philippe Tanguy, and seven members of The Republicans voted in favour of legalising assisted dying.
Conversely, opposition to the bill came from the left: Sophia Chikirou, an MP from La France Insoumise, voted against the assisted dying bill; a Green MP; a Communist MP; and four Socialist MPs voted against it.
The bill authorises assisted dying through either assisted suicide or euthanasia in cases where the patient is physically unable to end their life, though these terms are not explicitly used in the text.
Palliative Care
To access assistance in dying, a person must meet the following conditions:
Being at least 18 years old. Be of French nationality or reside in a stable and regular manner in France. Suffering from a serious and incurable condition, whatever the cause, which is life-threatening, in an advanced phase, characterised by the entry into an irreversible process marked by the worsening of the state of health of the sick person, which affects their quality of life, or in a terminal phase. Present constant physical or psychological suffering linked to this condition, which is either resistant to treatment or unbearable, depending on when they have chosen not to receive or to stop receiving treatment. Psychological suffering alone cannot, in any case, allow one to benefit from assistance in dying. Be able to express one's will in a free and informed manner.
The last two conditions have given rise to and will continue to give rise to significant terminological debates.
Immediately prior to the vote on assisted dying, MPs unanimously adopted a separate bill focused on palliative care.
This legislation outlines a 10-year strategy to enhance the provision of palliative care across France. Key measures include the establishment of 'support and palliative care homes aimed at improving access to pain relief and end-of-life support for patients.'
'The vote by the National Assembly on the texts on the development of palliative care and assisted dying is an important step,' said French President Emmanuel Macron on social media platform X.
'Regarding sensitivities, doubts, and hopes, the path of fraternity that I wished for is gradually opening up. With dignity and humanity,' Macron said.
The Association for the Right to Die with Dignity expressed satisfaction that France has embarked on the path to freedom.
'I am thinking of all the patients and their loved ones. There are days you know you will never forget. I will never forget this day,' said Olivier Falorni, the general rapporteur of the bill and long-time advocate for legalising assisted suicide.
Despite this progress, the government remains divided. Health Minister Catherine Vautrin championed the bill, whereas Junior Health Minister Yannick Neuder, a cardiologist, expressed reservations. Speaking to France Info, Neuder stated he was 'not certain he would have voted for the bill if he had been a member of parliament.'
'Active assisted dying must not become a fallback for inadequate palliative care or limited access to treatment,' he said.
'I have confidence in the parliamentary process to resolve all questions,' said Prime Minister François Bayrou, despite being known for his scepticism towards legalised assisted suicide.
The two bills will now proceed to the Senate, where the right-wing majority is expected to propose significant amendments to the assisted dying legislation, potentially limiting its scope or entirely rejecting it.
A joint committee and negotiations may be necessary to reconcile the differences between the two houses. President Macron has indicated that in the case of a parliamentary deadlock, he may resort to a referendum to resolve the issue.