French Parliament Approves Assisted‑Dying Bill Under Strict Safeguards

Sun Sep 06 2026 06:27:35 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

France's National Assembly votes 291‑241 to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill patients, demanding strict safeguards amid strong opposition.

After years of debate, France’s lower house passed a bill that will allow adults with incurable, life‑threatening illnesses to request assisted dying. The law includes strict safeguards, such as a 15‑day consultation period, a 2‑day reflection window, and a requirement that the patient administer the lethal substance themselves or by medical staff. The Senate had rejected the bill three times earlier, and the Prime Minister will now refer key provisions to the Constitutional Council. The decision follows significant public support in opinion polls, but faces opposition from the Catholic Church and pro‑life groups. France’s move places it among a growing list of European countries where assisted dying is legal under specific conditions.

French Parliament Approves Assisted‑Dying Bill Under Strict Safeguards

Protesters in wheelchairs holding signs reading 'I am not a reason to die' and 'Before a dignified death, I want to see a dignified life' — People hold signs reading “I am not a reason to die” and “Before a dignified death, I want to see a dignified life” during a protest against the assisted dying bill.

In a 291‑to‑241 vote on Wednesday, the National Assembly approved a bill that will allow French adults with a “serious and incurable” life‑threatening illness to request assisted dying. The measure was rejected three times by France’s upper house, the Senate, after years of debate and revisions.

The law introduces several procedural safeguards: the patient must freely declare a wish to die to a doctor, who will then decide the request within 15 days after consultation. A two‑day period for reflection follows, and the patient must administer a lethal substance themselves; if unable, a doctor or nurse can do so. The physician’s confirmation on the day of the procedure is also required.

The 15‑day consultation window protects against rushed decisions.
The two‑day reflection period gives patients a chance to reconsider.
Only patients with impaired judgement under legal protection can provide informed consent.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will refer certain provisions to France’s Constitutional Council, which will determine whether the law aligns with the constitution. Despite the government’s support, the bill faces strong opposition from the Catholic Church and segments of the medical profession. Opinion polls suggest that a large majority of French people back giving terminally ill patients the choice between palliative care or assisted dying.

France is joining a growing list of European countries that legalise assisted dying, including the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland. A similar bill for England and Wales is expected to return to Parliament in September.