Macron signs law legalizing euthanasia

French President Emmanuel Macron has signed a law legalizing assistance in dying (euthanasia).

According to the French media, cited by Report, the document has been published in the so-called Official Gazette.

The document was approved by the Constitutional Council last week with some reservations. It establishes the right to assistance in dying under certain conditions for eligible patients, allowing them to self-administer a lethal substance in the presence of a medical professional. Only if a patient is physically unable to do so may a medical professional administer it on their behalf.

Several conditions must be met simultaneously: the patient must be an adult, a French citizen or a long-term resident of the country, suffering from a "serious and incurable" illness at a terminal or "advanced" stage, experiencing unbearable physical suffering, and capable of expressing an informed choice until the very last moment. The procedure, conducted by one doctor but requiring the involvement of other specialists, must determine whether the patient meets the eligibility criteria.

The National Assembly approved the bill, with 291 lawmakers voting in favor and 241 against.

As of now, similar legislation has been adopted in several countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Canada and Uruguay.