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France's 'Aid In Dying' Law Comes Into Effect After Constitutional Approval. France has formally adopted a law giving incurably ill adults the right to assisted dying after approval by the country's Constitutional Council. The legislation, officially described as an "end of life" or "aid in dying" law, was published in France's official journal on Wednesday after years of debate. The law applies to adults who are French nationals or long-term residents and have incurable conditions causing unbearable pain. A doctor must first verify a patient's eligibility before a panel determines whether all the required criteria have been met. Approved patients must wait at least two days before the procedure and confirm their decision on the day, while retaining the right to withdraw consent at any time. Patients must administer the lethal substance themselves unless physically unable to do so, in which case a healthcare professional can assist. President Emmanuel Macron, who pledged a right-to-die law during his 2022 re-election campaign, welcomed its adoption following what he called an "exemplary democratic debate.” The Constitutional Council upheld the law but clarified that healthcare professionals and certain private facilities can refuse to participate on grounds of conscience
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