French lawmakers approved a bill Wednesday that would create a legal right to assisted dying for terminally ill adults, ending a bitter ethical and political debate. The legislation, under strict conditions, would allow a person who requests it to receive a lethal substance.

The substance can be self-administered or, if the person is physically unable to do so, administered by a doctor or nurse. Access to assisted dying will be limited to adults who are French citizens or legal residents in France and who suffer from a serious and incurable illness that is life-threatening and in an advanced or terminal stage, experience persistent physical or psychological suffering related to that condition and are able to express a free choice.

The National Assembly, in a final vote, approved the text by 291 votes in favor and 241 against. “On this issue, which is as personal as it is serious, and which concerns life, suffering and dignity, there was only one possible approach: to find time to listen, to engage in dialogue and to develop a debate,” said President Emmanuel Macron on X.

"In 2022, I made a commitment to create this path together with the French people. With seriousness, humility and full respect for our democracy, I have honored this commitment," Macron stressed.

Public opinion polls have consistently shown that the general public is in favor of allowing assisted dying in France. An Ifop poll published in February found that 84% of respondents approved of the bill.