France Legalises Assisted Dying

The legislation, passed by the National Assembly, makes France one of only a handful of European Union countries to permit assisted dying.

Patients must be at least 18 years old and suffering from an incurable condition with unbearable and untreatable pain.

The move was championed by President Emmanuel Macron's government and follows a citizens' convention that backed the reform.

The law is expected to take effect after a review by the Constitutional Council.