France's parliament on Wednesday approved a bill to allow assisted dying for terminally ill adults.
The law would allow an adult who is terminally ill to request a lethal substance that could be either self-administered or administered by a doctor.
It applies to French citizens or legal residents who have an illness that is life-threatening and in an advanced or terminal phase, and which is causing them constant physical suffering. Lawmakers stressed that psychological suffering alone is not a qualifying factor, disqualifying those suffering from severe psychiatric disorders or neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Patients must also be able to express their free and informed choice, and must be examined by a physician and then have their case assessed by a panel of experts.
However, Wednesday's vote did not mark the end of the law's legislative and judicial path. France's highest constitutional authority will have the final say at a later date.
