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CTV News
2 days ago
- General
- CTV News
France's National Assembly adopts long-debated bill legalizing end-of-life options
A board shows the result after France's lower house of parliament has adopted a bill to allow adults with incurable illness to take lethal medication, Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at the National Assembly in Paris. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) PARIS — France's lower house of parliament adopted a bill Tuesday to allow adults with incurable illness to take lethal medication, as public demands grow across Europe for legal end-of-life options. The National Assembly vote is a key step on the long-debated issue, though others remain before the bill can become law. 'I'm thinking of all the patients and their loved ones that I've met over more than a decade. Many are no longer here, and they always told me: Keep fighting,' said Olivier Falorni, the bill's general rapporteur, amid applause from fellow lawmakers. The proposed measure on lethal medication defines assisted dying as allowing use under certain conditions so that people may take it themselves. Only those whose physical condition doesn't allow them to do it alone would be able to get help from a doctor or a nurse. The bill, which received 305 votes in favor and 199 against, will be sent to the Senate, where the conservative majority could seek to amend it. A definitive vote on the measure could take months to be scheduled amid France's long and complex process. The National Assembly has final say over the Senate. Activists have criticized the complexity and length of the parliamentary process that they say is penalizing patients waiting for end-of-life options. In parallel, another bill on palliative care meant to reinforce measures to relieve pain and preserve patients' dignity was also adopted Tuesday, unanimously. The bill has strict conditions To benefit, patients would need to be over 18 and be French citizens or live in France. A team of medical professionals would need to confirm that the patient has a grave and incurable illness 'at an advanced or terminal stage,' is suffering from intolerable and untreatable pain and is seeking lethal medication of their own free will. Patients with severe psychiatric conditions and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease won't be eligible. The person would initiate the request for lethal medication and confirm the request after a period of reflection. If approved, a doctor would deliver a prescription for the lethal medication, which could be taken at home or at a nursing home or a health care facility. A 2023 report indicated that most French citizens back legalizing end-of-life options, and opinion polls show growing support over the past 20 years. Initial discussions in parliament last year were abruptly interrupted by President Emmanuel Macron's decision to dissolve the National Assembly, plunging France into a months-long political crisis. 'What a long road it has been, contrary to what the public thought, contrary to what the French people believed,' said Jonathan Denis, president of the Association for the Right to Die With Dignity (ADMD). Months-long debate ahead Earlier this month, Macron suggested he could ask French voters to approve the measure via referendum if parliament discussions get off track. Macron on Tuesday called the vote an important step, adding on social media that 'with respect for different sensibilities, doubts, and hopes, the path of fraternity I had hoped for is gradually beginning to open. With dignity and humanity.' Many French people have traveled to neighboring countries where medically assisted suicide or euthanasia are legal. Medically assisted suicide involves patients taking, of their own free will, a lethal drink or medication prescribed by a doctor to those who meet certain criteria. Euthanasia involves doctors or other health practitioners giving patients who meet certain criteria a lethal injection at their own request. 'I cannot accept that French men and women have to go to Switzerland — if they can afford it — or to Belgium to be supported in their choice, or that French men and women are being accompanied clandestinely in other countries," Denis said. Religious leaders object French religious leaders this month issued a joint statement to denounce the bill, warning about the dangers of an 'anthropological rupture.' The Conference of Religious Leaders in France (CRCF), which represents the Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist communities, said the proposed measures risk exerting pressure on older people and those with illnesses or disabilities. Assisted suicide is allowed in Switzerland and several U.S. states. Euthanasia is currently legal in the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Canada, Australia, Colombia, Belgium and Luxembourg under certain conditions. In the U.K., lawmakers are debating a bill to help terminally ill adults end their lives in England and Wales after giving it initial approval in November. Sylvie Corbet, The Associated Press
Reuters
2 days ago
- General
- Reuters
French lawmakers approve assisted dying bill, paving the way for approval
PARIS, May 27 (Reuters) - French lower house lawmakers approved a bill on Tuesday to legalise assisted dying, paving the way for France to become the latest European nation to allow terminally ill people to end their lives. The final passage of the bill remains some way off, with the text now heading to the Senate. However, the legislation is expected to pass, with polls showing more than 90% of French people in favour of laws that give people with terminal diseases or interminable suffering the right to die. French President Emmanuel Macron called the vote in the National Assembly "an important step." The bill, which was approved in parliament by 305 votes to 199, provides the right to assisted dying to any French person over the age of 18 suffering from a serious or incurable condition that is life-threatening, advanced or terminal. The person, who must freely make their decision, must also have constant physical or psychological suffering that cannot be alleviated. Lawmakers stipulated that psychological suffering alone would not be enough to end one's life. The patient can administer the lethal dose themselves or by an accredited medical professional if they are physically unable. Healthcare workers who object to doing so are free to opt out. Anyone found to have obstructed someone's right to die can face a two-year prison sentence and a 30,000 euro fine. Laws to enable assisted dying are gathering steam across Europe. In November, British lawmakers voted in favour of allowing assisted dying, paving the way for Britain to follow countries such as Australia, Canada and some U.S. states in what would be the biggest social reform in a generation. In March, the Isle of Man, a self-governing British Crown Dependency off northwest England, approved an assisted dying bill, potentially making the island the first place in the British Isles where terminally ill people could end their lives. "France is one of the last countries in Western Europe to legislate on this issue," leftist lawmaker Olivier Falorni told Reuters. "We are in a global process ... France is behind, and I hope we will do it with our own model."
The Guardian
3 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
French parliament prepares to vote on legalising assisted dying
France's parliament is preparing to vote on a controversial bill to legalise assisted dying, potentially paving the way for euthanasia under what campaigners say would nonetheless remain some of the strictest conditions in Europe. As part of a long-awaited package of end-of-life legislation delayed by President Emmanuel Macron's decision to dissolve parliament last year, MPs are also due to vote on Tuesday on a less contentious bill establishing the right to palliative care. Both votes are the start of a long parliamentary process that will require the bills to move on to the senate – the upper house – and then back to the lower house for a second reading, meaning they are unlikely to become law before next year. The government has described the right-to-die law as 'an ethical response to the need to support the sick and the suffering', insisting it was 'neither a new right nor a freedom … but a balance between respect and personal autonomy'. The bill would allow a medical team to decide if a patient is eligible to 'gain access to a lethal substance when they have expressed the wish'. Patients would be able to use it themselves or have it administered by a nurse or doctor 'if they are in no condition physically to do so themselves'. Patients must meet a number of strict conditions: they must be over 18, hold French citizenship or residency and suffer from a 'serious and incurable, life-threatening, advanced or terminal illness' that is 'irreversible'. The disease must cause 'constant, unbearable physical or psychological suffering' that cannot be addressed by medical treatment, and the patient must be capable of 'expressing freely and in an informed manner' their wish to end their life. The bill – referred to in France as a law on 'end of life' or 'aid in dying' rather than 'assisted suicide' or 'euthanasia' – is expected to be backed by Macron's centrist MPs and their allies and by the left, with right and far-right deputies likely to vote against. All parliamentary groups have been given a free vote to express their personal convictions. Euthanasia is a highly sensitive subject in France, a country with a longstanding Catholic tradition, and the bill is also opposed by many health workers. The prime minister, François Bayrou, a devout Catholic, has said he had 'questions' and would abstain if he were an MP, but Macron said last year that France needed the legislation because 'there are situations you cannot humanely accept'. France currently allows passive euthanasia – such as withholding artificial life support – and deep sedation before death, but patients seeking active end-of-life options have no choice but to travel to other countries where euthanasia is legal. Right-to-die campaigners have welcomed the law, though describing it as relatively modest in scope. 'It's a foot in the door, which will be important for what comes next,' said Stéphane Gemmani of the ADMD association. 'We've been waiting for this for decades. Hopefully France will steadily align itself with other European countries,' Gemmani said. 'Forcing people to go to Belgium or Switzerland, pay €10,000 or €15,000 … The current situation is just wrong.' Opinion polls show most French people are in favour of assisted dying, but France has been slower than many European neighbours to legalise it. Others are actively debating the issue, including the UK, where an assisted dying bill is before parliament. Sign up to Headlines Europe A digest of the morning's main headlines from the Europe edition emailed direct to you every week day after newsletter promotion Active euthanasia – where a caregiver induces death at the request of the patient, and assisted suicide – where doctors provide the patient with the means to end their life themselves – have been legal in the Netherlands and Belgium since 2002 under broadly similar conditions. A doctor and an independent expert must agree the patient is suffering unbearably and without hope of improvement. Both countries have since extended the right to children under 12. Luxembourg also decriminalised active euthanasia and assisted dying in 2009. Active euthanasia is outlawed in Switzerland, but assisted suicide has been legal since the 1940s and organisations such as Exit and Dignitas have helped thousands of Swiss nationals, residents and others to end their lives. Austria legalised assisted suicide in 2022, while Spain adopted a law in 2021 allowing euthanasia and medically assisted suicide for people with a serious and incurable illness, providing they are capable and conscious, the request was made in writing, reconfirmed later, and approved by an evaluation committee. Portugal decriminalised euthanasia in 2023 but the measure has not yet come into force after certain articles were rejected by the constitutional court. In the UK, MPs approved the legalisation of assisted dying in England and Wales for adults with an incurable illness who have a life expectancy of under six months and are able to take the substance that causes their death themselves, in a first vote in November last year. MPs must now vote on whether the text, amended in May to allow medics to opt out, is sent to the upper chamber for further scrutiny. The Scottish parliament has also passed its first vote on a bill to legalise assisted dying.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Judy Davis, ‘Bridgerton's' Florence Hunt Star in ‘Butterfly Stroke'
Celsius Ent. has acquired world sales rights, excluding Switzerland, to 'Butterfly Stroke,' directed by Denis Rabaglia and starring two-time Oscar nominee Judy Davis, 'Bridgerton' breakout star Florence Hunt, Caroline Peters and Malaya Stern Takeda. The film goes into production July 28. 'Butterfly Stroke' centers on Ruth (Davis), a British swimming champion, and a woman who wants control over every aspect of her life – including its end. Diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor, she sets out on a final journey to Switzerland, where assisted dying is legal. More from Variety Angelina Jolie Dazzles Cannes and Champions Global Cinema at the Chopard Gala: 'Anything to Make It More Accessible Is Necessary and Welcome' Lloyd Lee Choi Explores Working Class Struggles in 'Lucky Lu' Nigeria's BRS Studios Follows Netflix Chart-Topper 'Tokunbo' With Three-Pic Slate (EXCLUSIVE) She calls her estranged granddaughter, Lori (Hunt), to inform her of the plan and the inheritance she'll soon receive. Lori, impulsive and headstrong in her own way, won't let Ruth slip away so easily. She races to Switzerland to stop – or at least understand – Ruth's decision. In Zurich, Ruth's unusual attitude conflicts with the organization's routine and becomes a nightmare for her case manager. Ruth also meets her match in the fastidious Dr. Steiger (Peters), whose unflinching application of the rulebook leads to a darkly comedic standoff. Meanwhile, Lori finds herself unexpectedly distracted by Ingrid (Stern Takeda), a charming Swiss soccer player who she can't help falling for. As Ruth's carefully laid plans get delayed, grandmother and granddaughter find themselves stuck in a limbo that's unexpectedly funny and revealing. They begin to bridge the vast emotional chasm between them, and long buried secrets rise to the surface: including the mysterious event that derailed Ruth's Olympic future. Davis was an Oscar nominee for 'Husbands and Wives' and 'A Passage to India,' a BAFTA winner with 'My Brilliant Career,' and is a three-time Emmy winner. Other credits include 'Nitram.' Hunt's credits include 'Bridgerton,' Netflix's 'Cursed,' and the upcoming 'Queen at Sea' with Juliette Binoche. Peters' credits include Sönke Wortmann's trilogy 'Der Spitzname,' 'Der Nachname' and 'Der Vorname,' all hits in Germany. Stern Takeda was the lead in 'Parallel Me' for Paramount+, and co-lead in 'Love Addicts' for Amazon Prime. 'Butterfly Stroke' is written by Nat Luurtsema, Denis Rabaglia and Jessica Townsend, and directed by Denis Rabaglia, whose credits include the miniseries 'On the High Seas' for ARTE, and feature films 'My Beloved Enemy,' 'Marcello Marcello' and 'Azzurro.'The Switzerland/U.K. co-production is produced by Michael Steiger and Michela Pini from Turnus Film, and Chris Curling and Anya Ryzhenkova from Zephyr Films. Celsius Ent.'s Thierry Wase-Bailey and Henriette Wollmann are executive producers. Wase-Bailey said: 'We are so happy to be working with our filmmakers – second time with Chris Curling of course following our hit drama together 'The Bookshop,' and so excited to see the great Judy Davis on screen again – a double Oscar nominee no less. I literally started my film industry career selling 'Kangaroo,' starring Judy Davis and Colin Friels. and based on the D.H. Lawrence novel. Casting 'Bridgerton' breakout star Florence Hunt as the granddaughter was a masterstroke of the filmmakers and will add an intergenerational appeal. The film tackles important themes in a bold, heartfelt and humorous way and I am convinced it will strike a chord in all markets.' Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Irish Times
16-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
Temperatures rise in UK's assisted dying debate amid claims of ‘chaotic' process
Supporters and opponents of the UK's landmark Bill to legalise assisted dying – known by its detractors as assisted suicide – gathered in different verdant corners of sunny Westminster on Friday as MPs debated inside the House of Commons. Those supporting a change in the law to allow terminally ill patients in England and Wales to seek medical help ending their own lives gathered beneath an array of bright pink banners on the lawns of Parliament Square. 'My dying wish is dignity,' they said. Around the corner, at the statue of King George V off Abingdon Street, opponents of the proposal struck a darker tone, holding mocked up headstones engraved with a warning about the apparent watering down of oversight of future assisted deaths: 'RIP – 'strictest safeguards in the world.'' Pink to support the right to die, and headstones for the sanctity of life. Therein was captured the incongruity of Britain's national conversation about the right, or otherwise, to an assisted death. Increasingly fraught and tetchy, the mood of the national debate was reflected inside the Commons chamber, as MPs grew frustrated as they ran out of time to speak. READ MORE It was originally thought MPs might get their final say on Friday on Labour MP Kim Leadbeater's Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which passed its crucial second reading in the Commons last November by 330 votes to 275. But there have been so many amendments proposed since, the speaker of the House, Lindsay Hoyle, has kicked the crucial vote out until at least June 13th, and possibly later. Even then, many MPs on Friday complained the Bill was being rushed through parliament without proper scrutiny. [ Assisted dying: Do we understand it properly? Opens in new window ] One Labour MP, Naz Shah, described the process as 'chaos . . . a disservice to parliament and our constituents. We shouldn't be playing games with people's lives like this.' She complained of only being told by Leadbeater that her amendment might be accepted when she arrived in the Commons that morning, leaving her no time to study the wording. Prime minister Keir Starmer's government is ostensibly neutral on the Bill, although everybody knows that he favours it. He has granted a free vote, meaning MPs are not party whipped and can vote with their conscience. As the government did not bring the Bill forward, it has been proposed as a private members' Bill by Labour backbencher, Leadbeater. This means, however, that it can only be scrutinised during the time set aside each week for private Bills, Friday mornings and afternoons until 2.30pm. Opponents say such a landmark proposal should have been proposed by the government, allowing it to be scrutinised at greater length during government time in the parliamentary week. Supporters, meanwhile, believe they still have the numbers to push it through the House. They must wait until next month to find out. [ Assisted dying: 'If I cannot consent to my own death, who owns my life?' Opens in new window ]
