French Parliament Passes First Aid for Dying Law

The French parliament has passed a bill on assisted dying in its first phase.

The move is seen as a major step towards legalizing the termination of life for terminally ill patients in the country.

The bill was approved by the French National Assembly on Tuesday, May 27, with 305 votes in favor and 199 against.

Under the law, terminally ill patients can voluntarily end their lives under certain conditions.

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the passage of the bill, calling it an “important step.”

The bill will now go to the Senate for further consideration; given France’s lengthy legislative process, a final vote could take months.

According to the provisions of this law, people over the age of 18 who are French citizens or live in this country can request a lethal drug if they suffer from an incurable and advanced illness and suffer from unbearable pain.