PARIS — France's parliament has adopted landmark legislation creating a legal right to assisted dying for certain adults with incurable, life-threatening illnesses, marking a major shift in the country's approach to end-of-life care after years of political and ethical debate.
The National Assembly approved the bill in a final vote by 291 votes to 241 on July 15, concluding a lengthy legislative process that included repeated disagreements with the Senate. Under France's legislative procedures, the lower house had the final say after the two chambers failed to reach agreement.
The legislation allows eligible adults who request it to receive a lethal substance under strict legal safeguards. Patients will generally self-administer the substance, although a doctor or nurse may administer it if the patient is physically unable to do so, according to the final text.
Eligibility is limited to adults who are French citizens or legal residents suffering from a serious and incurable illness that is life-threatening and in an advanced or terminal stage. They must also experience constant physical or psychological suffering linked to the illness and be capable of expressing a free and informed decision. The legislation establishes multiple medical assessments and procedural safeguards before any request can be approved.
The measure follows years of national discussion over whether France should expand patients' rights beyond existing end-of-life legislation, which permitted deep continuous sedation in limited circumstances but prohibited active assistance in dying. Supporters argued the new framework provides terminally ill patients with greater autonomy while maintaining strict protections against abuse. Opponents, including some healthcare professionals and religious organizations, warned that the law could expose vulnerable people to pressure despite the safeguards.
President Emmanuel Macron had pledged to open a broad national debate on end-of-life care, describing the issue as one requiring careful democratic consideration. Public opinion surveys have indicated strong support among French voters for allowing medically assisted dying under tightly defined conditions.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has announced that the government will refer parts of the legislation to the Constitutional Council for review before it can take effect. The council's examination is the next confirmed step in the legislative process and will determine whether the law complies with France's constitution before implementation.
