France's lower house of parliament has given final approval to a contentious bill legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide, RT reported. The legislation, which has faced staunch opposition from conservative senators and religious groups, will next be examined by the Constitutional Council before it can become law.
On Wednesday, the National Assembly passed the bill with 291 votes in favor and 241 against, concluding what former lawmaker Olivier Falorni described as a challenging legislative process. The bill had previously seen support decline slightly over multiple readings, with earlier votes tallying 305-199 in May 2025, 299-226 in February 2026, and 295-232 at the end of June.
The Senate, dominated by right-wing parties, rejected the bill on several occasions. After no compromise was reached in a joint committee, the government invoked the Assembly's constitutional authority to have the final say on the matter.
The legislation allows French adults who are either citizens or legal residents suffering from a serious, incurable, and terminal illness to request lethal medication if their pain is unbearable and resistant to treatment. Psychological distress alone does not qualify unless directly related to the illness. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to make informed and voluntary decisions, with no significant impairment to their judgment, and must undergo a mandatory reflection period.
On the day the medication is administered, a doctor must confirm the patient's wish to proceed. Any detected coercion would halt the process and be reported to the state prosecutor. Typically, patients would self-administer the drug, but medical professionals may assist if patients are physically unable, provided they do not invoke a conscience clause.
President Emmanuel Macron, a long-time supporter of the reform, stated on X, "In 2022, I committed to opening this path with the French people. With seriousness, with humility, and with full respect for our democracy, that commitment has been fulfilled."
The Association for the Right to Die With Dignity praised the bill, emphasizing that it grants individuals the freedom to end unbearable suffering with full awareness and that it never forces anyone to act against their will. Meanwhile, critics like Hanane Mansouri, an MP from the right-wing UDR group, expressed concern that the law undermines societal values. The Bishops’ Conference of France condemned the legislation as a significant rupture, stating it effectively legalizes the act of causing death.
Before the bill can take effect, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has referred it to the Constitutional Council. The council will review key issues, including whether the two-day reflection period upholds personal freedom and human dignity, the capacity of adults under legal guardianship to provide consent, and the balance between doctors’ rights to refuse participation and hospital policies on assisted dying.
The Constitutional Council has up to one month to issue a ruling, unless an expedited process is requested. It holds the power to annul specific provisions, which could require the parliament to amend and reapprove the law, or to invalidate the entire legislation. Only after this constitutional review can President Macron enact the bill.
Why this matters
This legislation marks a pivotal moment in France's approach to end-of-life care, potentially transforming how terminally ill patients can exercise autonomy over their deaths. The bill's passage reflects shifting societal attitudes amidst ongoing debates about ethics, medical responsibilities, and individual rights. The Constitutional Council's decision will be critical in shaping the legal framework surrounding euthanasia and assisted suicide in France.
As France navigates this complex issue, the outcome may influence similar legislative discussions across Europe and beyond.
