Global developments in assisted suicide legislation and legal restrictions

France's Constitutional Council has upheld a law allowing assisted suicide for adults with incurable illnesses. The legislation permits patients to obtain a lethal substance to administer themselves or, if physically unable, receive assistance from a doctor or nurse. Access is restricted to adults with permanent residency suffering from life-threatening, incurable conditions and constant physical or psychological suffering. While the Council supported the law, it noted that certain provisions require further clarification.

In Australia, a legal conflict has emerged regarding voluntary assisted dying (VAD). While VAD is legal in most Australian states, federal law prohibits the use of telemedicine—including phone, internet, or video calls—to provide advice or assistance for suicide. A federal court ruling clarified that the term ‘suicide’ in the Commonwealth Criminal Code can encompass VAD, meaning medical professionals cannot legally provide remote guidance for the practice despite state-level legality.