France’s Constitutional Council Upholds Assisted Dying Law With Conscience Protections

France’s Constitutional Council ruled on August 14 that the nation’s new assisted dying legislation is constitutional, clearing the way for the law to take effect. The measure, which passed the National Assembly in July with a 291-241 vote, allows French citizens and legal residents with incurable, life-threatening illnesses to request lethal substances if they experience unbearable suffering.

While the Council upheld the core framework of the law, it introduced significant conscience protections. Private and nonprofit medical institutions, including faith-based facilities, may opt out of providing assisted death services by adopting an ethical charter that affirms their commitment to life. Additionally, the ruling grants pharmacists a conscience clause, allowing them to refuse involvement in the preparation of lethal drugs.

Christian leaders and organizations, including the European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ), have expressed strong opposition to the law, warning that it represents a moral shift that could endanger vulnerable populations. While the ECLJ welcomed the new conscience protections as a victory, they criticized the Council for upholding other provisions, such as the lack of mandatory family notification and the inclusion of individuals under legal guardianship.