Members of Parliament approved on Tuesday the bill creating a right to assisted dying, ahead of the final vote scheduled for July 15. The text, sponsored by Olivier Falorni, is expected to remain unchanged: the Senate is poised to reject it once again, and the National Assembly has no possibility of amending the final version.
The law establishes a regulated system of assisted suicide, and even euthanasia in exceptional circumstances, without using those terms. To access this right, the applicant must be an adult, French or a resident of France, suffering from a serious and incurable life-threatening illness, capable of expressing a free and informed will, and experiencing refractory or unbearable suffering. Purely psychological suffering cannot grant this right.
The request is reviewed by a physician, who convenes a panel of experts including a specialist and a healthcare professional, before making a decision alone. The physician must respond within fifteen days. The patient then confirms their decision after a two-day reflection period, with a reassessment if more than three months have passed. He may withdraw his consent at any time.
The administration of the lethal substance takes place at the date and location chosen by the patient, surrounded by those of his choosing. Self-administration is preferred; the intervention of a doctor or nurse is only possible in cases of physical incapacity. A conscience clause allows professionals to refuse, provided they refer the patient to a colleague. Members of Parliament removed the provisions that would have made obstruction or incitement a crime.
Sophie de Duiéry
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