France’s Parliament has approved the text of a landmark bill on assisted dying. Lawmakers voted 291 in favour and 241 against. The measure still requires approval from the Constitutional Council before it can move forward. The vote marks a significant step in France’s legislative consideration of assisted dying.
France’s parliament adopted an assisted dying law on Wednesday, moving the country closer to joining nations that guarantee access to assisted dying. The measure was championed by President Emmanuel Macron, who promised such legislation after winning a second term in 2022. It is described as one of France’s most important social reforms since same-sex marriage was allowed in 2012. If approved by the country’s highest constitutional authority, France will join the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Canada in legalising assisted dying.
France’s lower house has adopted a bill on assisted dying. The government bypassed the Senate, which is dominated by the political right. The legislation will instead be sent to the highest constitutional court for final approval. Its enactment therefore now depends on the court’s review.
François Picard welcomes Anne Reynaud, a board member of the Association for the Right to Die with Dignity, to Spotlight. France’s long-awaited assisted dying legislation marks a profound change in the country’s approach to end-of-life care. Reynaud says the parliamentary vote is meaningful progress, but remains more restrictive than the recommendations of France’s Citizens’ Convention. Drawing on personal experience and professional responsibilities, she describes the vote as the start of a new ethical and legal era rather than the conclusion of the debate.
France’s long-awaited assisted dying legislation marks a profound change in the country’s approach to end-of-life care. Anne Reynaud says the parliamentary vote should not be viewed as the conclusion of the debate, but as the opening of a new ethical and legal era. Drawing on personal experience and her professional role, she argues that the law is meaningful while stressing the essential need for strong palliative care alongside it.
France’s National Assembly has granted final approval to a bill on assisted dying after years of debate. The measure would allow adults living with incurable illnesses to obtain lethal medication. The vote completes the Assembly’s consideration of the proposal. It represents a significant step in France’s debate over end-of-life choices.
The Associated Press★★★☆☆2026-07-15 17:42OriginalFrench MPs have approved a bill permitting assisted dying under strict conditions. The measure would apply to adults who are terminally ill and meet the specified criteria. Its provisions therefore limit eligibility to people whose circumstances satisfy the bill’s requirements. The vote follows years of argument over whether assisted dying should be allowed in France.
BBC News★★★☆☆2026-07-15 17:29Original
