France's Constitutional Council on Friday upheld a law legalizing assisted dying under specific circumstances, while striking down a separate bill that sought to ban under-15s from using social media.

The rulings mark both a victory and a setback for President Emmanuel Macron, who had championed both policies. France is set to join several European countries that have already legalized assisted dying, including Belgium, Germany, and Luxembourg.

"This decision marks the culmination of a long democratic and parliamentary effort, conducted with listening, respect, and rigor," said Elisabeth Borne, MP and former French prime minister, in a post on X. "I welcome this definitive validation of a text that guarantees everyone the freedom to choose, within a strict and protective framework."

The council upheld the law in its entirety while clarifying three provisions, including the conscience clause allowing pharmacists to refuse assistance, private treatment centers' right to opt out if it conflicts with their mission, and the requirement to consider the opinion of a guardian for protected patients.

French citizens and legal residents can request medical support in ending their lives under strict conditions: the patient must suffer from an incurable, life-threatening illness in an advanced or terminal phase, causing constant untreatable or unbearable physical or psychological suffering, and must exercise free and informed consent.

The National Assembly passed the bill last month with 291 votes in favor and 241 against. Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court struck down the social media ban for under-15s, citing freedom of expression. The court argued that the law required everyone, even adults, to prove their age, but failed to specify conditions and limits, thus not ensuring legal safeguards for privacy.

The social media bill was one of Macron's flagship policies, set to take effect in January 2027, and he was eager to pass it before next year's presidential election. After Friday's ruling, Macron asked Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu to work on a new "legally robust draft."

Amnesty International responded to the initial ban by urging lawmakers to focus on forcing companies to redesign apps, including removing "addictive features." Secretary General Agnes Callamard stated, "Building safe platforms requires a robust response... governments should first focus on banning the features that drive harm, including engagement-based algorithms that can draw children into rabbit holes of depressive and suicidal content."

Source: www.aljazeera.com