French Parliament Backs Assisted‑Dying Bill After Years of Debate

Sun Sep 06 2026 01:46:51 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

France’s National Assembly voted 291‑241 to legalise assisted dying under strict safeguards, setting a precedent for European end‑of‑life policy.

On 15 July 2026, the French National Assembly approved an assisted‑dying law that allows terminally ill adults a choice to end their suffering under rigid conditions. The measure – which requires patient consent, a 15‑day doctor review, two days of reflection and self‑administered lethal medication – could place France alongside Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland. Despite striking opposition from the Senate, Catholic groups and some medical professionals, public polls show strong support. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will send the bill’s core provisions to the Constitutional Council for review before it becomes law.

On 15 July 2026, France’s National Assembly voted 291‑241 to legalise assisted dying for adults with a serious, incurable, life‑threatening illness that causes unbearable physical or psychological suffering. The legislation follows years of heated debate and revisions, and the bill would align France with several European nations where assisted suicide is regulated.

The approval came after the upper house – the Senate, dominated by right‑wing parties – rejected the proposal three times. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu plans to submit parts of the bill to the Constitutional Council for a constitutional review before it can become law.

Under the new law, a patient must freely express the desire to end their life to a physician. The doctor has 15 days to evaluate the request. After a two‑day reflection period, the patient may self‑administer a lethal dose; if unable, a doctor or nurse may administer it instead. The physician must verify that the patient’s decision is voluntary and informed on the day of the act.

If enacted, France would join the Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland in offering regulated assisted‑dying pathways. The debate mirrors ongoing discussions in the UK, where a similar bill has been stalled and is scheduled to return to Parliament in September.

The policy has faced strong opposition from the Catholic Church and segments of the medical community, particularly concerning the potential medicalization of death and the role of healthcare facilities. However, opinion polls reveal that a majority of French citizens support giving terminally ill patients the choice between palliative care and assisted dying.

Prime Minister Lecornu highlighted three key concerns for the Constitutional Council: the adequacy of the two‑day reflection period, safeguards for patients who may have impaired judgment and the responsibilities of facilities that traditionally provide palliative care. The council’s review will determine whether these provisions comply with France’s constitution before the bill can be signed into law.