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France's parliament passes assisted‑dying law
France’s National Assembly approved a law on assisted dying with a 291‑to‑241 vote, ending a long parliamentary battle that saw the Senate reject the measure three times. The legislation creates a right for adults with a serious, incurable illness in an advanced or terminal stage to obtain lethal medication. Patients must freely express their wish, undergo a medical review by an interdisciplinary team, and confirm the request after at least a two‑day reflection period; they may self‑administer the drug, or a doctor or nurse may do so if the patient is unable. The law is limited to French citizens or legal residents aged 18 or older, excludes pure psychiatric conditions, and includes a conscience clause allowing health professionals to refuse participation. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the government will refer three contentious points—reflection period, protection of vulnerable adults, and the conscience clause—to the Constitutional Council before the text takes effect. President Emmanuel Macron has backed the reform, and public opinion polls show strong support for end‑of‑life choice. The bill now awaits constitutional review before implementation.