The French National Assembly has approved a bill allowing assisted dying for terminally ill patients. The legislation, which passed its first reading on Tuesday, would permit euthanasia for individuals experiencing unbearable suffering.
The vote saw 305 legislators in favor and 199 against, demonstrating a significant level of support. The proposed law, titled “Right to Assisted Dying,” is scheduled to move to the Senate in the fall, with a second reading expected in early 2026.
The bill allows for active assistance in dying for patients facing serious or incurable conditions in the advanced stages of illness. They must be experiencing unbearable suffering and be able to express their will freely. Notably, the law excludes patients in comas or those with advanced Alzheimer’s who can no longer give explicit consent.
The process involves a 15-day review by a panel of doctors, followed by a two-day reflection period before the procedure, which must occur within three months. The law stipulates that the patient must self-administer the lethal substance, with a physician administering it if the patient is unable.
The bill garnered support from the left-wing bloc and President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist alliance. The conservative right generally opposed the bill, but members were granted freedom of conscience during the vote. Simultaneously, lawmakers unanimously approved a separate bill to ensure palliative care access for all patients in need.
Supporters of the bill see it as progress, despite some arguing it doesn’t go far enough in removing barriers to assisted dying. This legislation, which began its journey in 2022 and was interrupted by early elections in 2024, represents a significant step forward in French end-of-life care.
