Overview
- The National Assembly voted 291 to 241 to approve the bill that creates a legal right to assisted suicide and, in specified cases, euthanasia, with the decisive vote occurring on July 15.
- The law limits access to competent adults who are French citizens or lawful residents with a grave, incurable illness in an advanced or terminal phase who can make a free, informed request.
- Procedural safeguards include a physician verification step, a multidisciplinary collegial evaluation, a doctor’s written response within 15 days, a minimum two‑day reflection period before administration, the right to withdraw consent at any time, and self‑administration as the default except when a patient is physically unable.
- The reform passed despite repeated rejection in the conservative Senate and sharp opposition from the Catholic Church, many right‑wing parties and some disability and scientific groups, and it has caused tension between President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.
- Next steps hinge on the Conseil Constitutionnel’s review of key clauses such as reflection periods, protections for people under guardianship and conscience rules for health workers; if upheld, France would join a small group of countries that allow forms of assisted dying and the law would then take effect.