France’s National Assembly has voted to create a legal right to assisted dying under strict conditions, after years of debate and multiple revisions of the drafting proposals.
The bill passed 291 votes to 241, a close margin that followed three previous rejections by the upper house, the Senate.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will refer parts of the bill to the Constitutional Council for examination before it can be enacted.
Under the new law, French adults suffering from an advanced or terminal, incurable illness that causes constant physical or psychological pain will be able to request assisted dying. After a 15‑day period of medical consultation, patients must freely express their intention. They may then take a lethal substance themselves after a two‑day reflection period; if unable, a doctor or nurse can administer the dose. The physician must confirm the procedure on the day of administration.
With Wednesday’s vote, France becomes the latest European country to legalise assisted dying, joining nations such as the Netherlands and Belgium. The UK has also seen a lengthy debate, with the assisted dying bill again slated for a September parliamentary session.
Opposition remains strong, particularly from the Catholic Church and parts of the medical community, who fear the law may burden vulnerable patients. Opinion polls suggest a majority of French citizens favour allowing terminally ill people a choice between palliative care and assisted dying.
Lecornu has highlighted three areas for the Constitutional Council to examine: the two‑day reflection period, consent for patients with impaired judgment, and the role of health and social care facilities that provide palliative services.
The move illustrates a broader European trend of progressively liberalising end‑of‑life choices while navigating ethical, legal, and medical safeguards.
