00:05With a standing ovation, the National Assembly approved a landmark bill on assisted dying.
00:10The MP who championed the text dedicated his first words to the patients at the heart of
00:16the debate.
00:17We are telling them that we have heard them and that they will finally have the right in
00:23our country to pass away in peace.
00:25Under the new text, patients must meet specific criteria for assisted dying.
00:31An individual must be an adult, a French citizen or legal resident and suffer from a serious
00:36and incurable illness in an advanced or terminal stage.
00:40They must also experience unbearable suffering and be capable of expressing their will.
00:45Under the adopted bill, the rule is that the patient must self-administer the lethal dose
00:49unless they are physically unable to do so.
00:52In that case, a healthcare professional may perform the procedure.
00:55Part of the left-wing opposition pushed for patients to have the choice between self-administration
01:00or a practitioner, but this proposal was rejected.
01:03Some lawmakers remain divided on the bill.
01:08Taking a life is an absolute taboo in society.
01:11The fact that we can find a few exceptions opens the door for others to find even more exceptions
01:17later.
01:19The adoption resonates deeply with patients and their loved ones, like Caroline who lost
01:24her husband to motor neurone disease.
01:27Before his death, he had become a staunch advocate for the right to die with dignity.
01:33He must be satisfied to see things taking their course.
01:36Even if it feels like such a long time for the patients who are waiting, it's terrible.
01:43The text will be examined in April by the Senate, which had rejected it during the first reading.
01:48While supporters hope to see the law enacted by the summer, it remains uncertain whether
01:53this deadline will be met.
01:54So...
01:54Let's see.
01:54I'll see.
01:54Bye.
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