On June 11, 2025, the National Council of Monaco unanimously adopted Bill No. 1081, which seeks to develop palliative care and support for individuals at the end of life.

This legislation addresses a significant gap in the existing legal framework in Monaco, which previously lacked specific regulations governing end-of-life care.

According to the bill’s exposition of motives, Monaco's legal structure contained only one regulatory text—the Medical Ethics Code—without specific provisions for end-of-life situations.

The introduction of this law coincides with insights from Jean Leonetti, the mayor of Antibes and a notable figure in the field of French end-of-life legislations.

Franck Lobono, the rapporteur of the bill and president of the Commission for Social Interests and Miscellaneous Affairs, outlined the key aspects of the legislation during the council session.

The bill enshrines the right of every patient to be treated with dignity and includes crucial advancements to ensure access to necessary therapeutic care aimed at alleviating physical and psychological suffering for those nearing the end of life.

Among the provisions is the concept of "unreasonable obstinacy," defined as medical acts or treatments that are deemed unnecessary or disproportionate according to scientific consensus.

Additionally, the law mandates that health professionals working in palliative care settings undergo specific training to ensure they are adequately equipped to support patients.

For other healthcare practitioners, including doctors in hospitals and care homes, training on palliative care practices becomes a requirement.

Another significant aspect of the legislation involves establishing consent protocols concerning unreasonable obstinacy.

Patients can now document their end-of-life preferences in a formal declaration, which must be assisted by their chosen physician.

If a patient is unable to communicate their wishes due to health conditions, their partner, under a civil partnership akin to marriage, is authorized to express the patient's intentions.

Throughout the legislative process, both the National Council and the government have welcomed this initiative as a progressive step forward for healthcare in Monaco.

Christophe Robino, Minister of Health and Social Affairs, highlighted that the adopted bill not only fulfills a legal necessity but also aligns with ethical medical practices which stipulate that a physician's duty extends beyond mere curative efforts to encompass palliative care.

Robino further clarified that artificial hydration and nutrition, along with other interventions aimed solely at prolonging life, do not fall under the category of unreasonable obstinacy as defined by the legislation.

In the concluding discussions, Thomas Brezzo, echoing Lobono's sentiments, emphasized the need for improved palliative care infrastructure in the Principality, including the establishment of additional beds and surrounding support systems to honor Monaco’s healthcare standards.

Despite discussions on the contentious issue of euthanasia led by member Christophe Brico, it was noted that such measures are not currently demanded by the general population or healthcare professionals in Monaco.

The new law represents a significant legislative advancement, positioning patient dignity and autonomy at the forefront of end-of-life medical care in Monaco.