The French National Assembly has officially adopted a bill that would legalize assisted dying for terminally ill adults. In a vote held on Wednesday, the measure passed with 291 votes in favor and 241 against, marking a significant legislative milestone after the bill had cleared three previous readings.
Under the proposed legislation, French citizens or legal residents facing a life-threatening illness in an advanced or terminal stage, which causes constant physical suffering, would be eligible to request a lethal substance. This substance could be administered by a doctor or self-administered by the patient. Officials emphasized that psychological suffering alone does not qualify an individual, thereby excluding those with severe psychiatric disorders or neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease. To qualify, patients must demonstrate an informed and free choice, undergo a physician's examination, and have their case evaluated by an expert panel.
Despite the parliamentary vote, the legislation has not yet been fully enacted. The government utilized a constitutional mechanism to bypass the Senate—which is currently controlled by right-wing and conservative parties—and instead referred the bill to the Constitutional Council for a final ruling. While the Council has the authority to declare the law invalid or suggest modifications, such actions are considered rare. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu confirmed that this judicial path will serve as the final step in the process.
The bill represents the fulfillment of a 2022 election promise by President Emmanuel Macron. Following the vote, Macron stated on social media that he had honored his commitment to the French people with seriousness and humility, while respecting the democratic process. Former deputy Olivier Falorni, the bill's author, was present in the chamber and received applause from lawmakers, noting that the victory followed 14 years of parliamentary debate.
If the Constitutional Council grants final approval, France will join a growing list of nations that have legalized assisted dying, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Spain, as well as parts of Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the United States.
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