14.08.2026 23:01
A critical stage was passed in France regarding the regulation that allows adults with incurable severe illnesses to end their lives with medical assistance under certain conditions. The Constitutional Council approved the "aid in dying" bill adopted by Parliament, while requesting that the conditions for implementing certain articles be defined more clearly.
The bill allowing adults with incurable serious illnesses in France to end their lives through medical assistance has been approved by the Constitutional Council. The Council found the bill generally in line with the Constitution while requesting clarification on the implementation of certain provisions.
CONSTITUTIONAL COUNCIL APPROVES THE BILL
The Constitutional Council, the country's highest constitutional body, has completed its review of the "assisted dying" bill adopted by the French Parliament on July 15.
While approving the regulation for adults with incurable diseases, the Council requested clarity on how certain provisions would be applied.
WHO WILL BE ELIGIBLE?
The regulation covers French citizens over 18 years of age who suffer from incurable and serious illnesses causing severe pain, as well as individuals who have been residing in France for a long time.
To benefit from the law, the patient's suffering must be linked to the illness, and the individual must be able to express their decision freely and consciously.
THE PATIENT WILL CARRY OUT THE TERMINATION PROCESS
According to the bill, the act of medically assisted ending of life is primarily envisaged to be carried out by the patient themselves.
However, if the patient is unable to perform the procedure on their own due to their physical condition, the act may be performed by a doctor or a nurse.
RIGHT TO CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS
The Constitutional Council indicated that some issues in the regulation need to be defined more clearly.
In this context, clarification was requested, particularly on the conditions under which legally incapacitated adults can benefit from the regulation and how the right to conscientious objection of healthcare workers performing the procedure will be exercised.
DEFINED AS DIFFERENT FROM EUTHANASIA
French authorities use the term "assisted dying" rather than directly defining the regulation as "euthanasia."
The system is based on subjecting the decision to end a patient's life to specific conditions and, whenever possible, having the procedure carried out by the patient themselves.
With the regulation entering into force, France is expected to make a significant change in its legal framework regarding the medically assisted ending of life for individuals living with incurable and severe illnesses.