France's Lower House Backs Right to Assisted Dying Bill

France's lower house on Tuesday approved a right-to-die bill in the first reading, the initial step in a lengthy process to grant patients medical assistance to end their lives in clearly defined circumstances.

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PARIS:

The National Assembly vote is a key legislative step on the long-debated issue.

A total of 305 lawmakers approved the legislation, which has the backing of President Emmanuel Macron but it was contested by some conservative groups, while 199 deputies voted against the bill.

"I'm thinking of all the patients and their loved ones. There are days, you know, you will never forget. I will never forget this day," said Olivier Falorni, the general rapporteur of the bill, amid applause from fellow lawmakers.