France’s National Assembly voted 305 to 199 on Tuesday in favor of a bill to legalise assisted suicide and euthanasia - an outcome that pro-life advocates argue will diminish respect for life and put pressure on vulnerable individuals to end their lives prematurely.
The legislation permits adults with ‘incurable illnesses’ to access life-ending medication under specific conditions, signaling a major change in France’s approach to end-of-life issues. The bill must still be approved by the French Senate.
The bill applies to individuals over the age of 18 who are French citizens or legal residents, and who meet the established criteria.
In tandem, lawmakers unanimously passed a separate bill aimed at improving palliative care. President Emmanuel Macron has pledged €1.1 billion over the next ten years to enhance support and services for those nearing the end of life.
However, the assisted dying bill has drawn sharp criticism from pro-life organisations and religious leaders, who have labeled it an “anthropological rupture.”
The French Senate is expected to debate and vote on the proposed legislation later this autumn. | 
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