Kathmandu— France’s highest constitutional authority, the Constitutional Council, issued rulings on Friday that both advanced and stalled key policies championed by President Emmanuel Macron: it upheld a law legalizing assisted dying for individuals suffering from incurable illnesses, while simultaneously rejecting legislation intended to ban children under 15 from using social media platforms. The decisions follow parliamentary approval of both bills last month and reflect ongoing debates surrounding individual freedoms, healthcare access, and online safety.

Assisted Dying Law Affirmed

France is now poised to join Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, and other European nations in legalizing assisted dying. Elisabeth Borne, a Member of Parliament and former French prime minister, welcomed the decision as “the culmination of a long democratic and parliamentary effort,” adding that it “guarantees everyone the freedom to choose, within a strict and protective framework.” The Constitutional Council affirmed the law in its entirety but clarified provisions related to conscientious objection for pharmacists and private treatment centers, allowing them to refuse participation if it conflicts with their principles or mission. It also stipulated that the opinion of a legal guardian must be considered when dealing with protected patients.

Social Media Ban Faces Legal Challenges

The court struck down the proposed ban on under-15s’ social media access, citing concerns about freedom of expression and privacy. The decision centered on the law's requirement for age verification without clearly defining how that proof would be provided or protected. According to the court, this lack of specificity failed to establish necessary legal safeguards. Amnesty International had previously urged lawmakers to focus on redesigning platforms and addressing addictive features rather than implementing outright bans.

Macron’s Response and Future Steps

The rulings represent a mixed outcome for President Macron, who had strongly advocated for both policies. Following the court's decision on the social media ban, Macron has tasked Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu with drafting a revised bill that addresses the legal concerns raised by the Constitutional Council. The assisted dying law is now set to be implemented, providing a framework for individuals meeting specific medical criteria to request assistance in ending their lives.

The implementation of the assisted dying legislation will proceed under the established guidelines, while efforts to regulate social media access for young people will require a new legislative approach.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.