France, Jan. 24 -- Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has drawn strong criticism after proposing to split France's long-awaited end-of-life legislation into two separate laws.Opponents warn the move could delay assisted dying reforms.

The legislation, which would legalise assisted dying and improve palliative care, followed years of public consultation including a citizens' convention that recommended comprehensive changes to both areas.

The original single bill reached parliament in early 2024 but stalled when the National Assembly was dissolved in June.

Bayrou, a devout Catholic, now wants to separate the two issues into distinct laws, a move that has exposed divisions both within parliament and the governing coalition.Mounting criticism...