France's Constitutional Council clears assisted dying and strikes down the under-15 social media ban
The Constitutional Council on Friday approved the law establishing a right to assisted dying for adults with an incurable condition, passed by parliament in July, and France now joins the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Canada. Some provisions require clarification, among them the conscience clause, which must also apply to private healthcare facilities where the procedure is manifestly contrary to their mission, provided they are not the only establishments able to meet local needs. At the same time the council struck down the ban on social media for children under 15, finding it an infringement of the freedom of expression and communication that is neither appropriate, necessary nor proportionate. The Élysée says the government will work on a new draft law.