France's Parliament Moves Closer to Legalizing Assisted Dying

In a significant legislative development, France's lower house of parliament has taken a pivotal step by adopting a bill to allow adults suffering from incurable illnesses to access lethal medication. This move reflects the growing public demand across Europe for legal end-of-life solutions.

The National Assembly approved the bill with 305 votes in favor and 199 against, marking it as a key legislative advance on this long-debated issue. The bill is now headed to the Senate for further discussion, although a final vote may take months due to France's complex legislative processes. Ultimately, the National Assembly has the decisive power over the Senate.

Simultaneously, lawmakers have also given their nod to another piece of legislation focused on palliative care, aimed at enhancing measures to alleviate pain and maintain the dignity of patients. This indicates a comprehensive approach to end-of-life care in France.

(With inputs from agencies.)