PARIS: France National Assembly gave final approval on Wednesday, July 15, to a bill that it would allow adults with incurable illnesses to receive lethal medication, marking the end of a years long debate over end of life care.
The lower house of parliament passed the measure 291-241, though the bill won’t immediately become law. It must first undergo a review to determine whether it complies with the French Constitution or not.
This marks the fourth time the National Assembly has backed the measure after previous readings. French President Emmanuel Macron first introduced the legislation more than three years ago. In a message posted on X, Macron said he made a commitment to French citizens in 2022 to pursue this path, and that the promise has now been fulfilled with seriousness and respect for the democratic process.
La proposition de loi relative au droit à l’aide à mourir est adoptée.
Sur cette question aussi intime que grave, qui touche à la vie, à la souffrance et à la dignité, une seule méthode était possible : prendre le temps de l’écoute, du dialogue et du débat.…
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 15, 2026
National Assembly President Yael Braun Pivet called it the longest parliamentary debate since the 1980s, saying lawmakers rose to the occasion throughout the discussions. The measure primarily permits medically assisted suicide, letting patients receive and self administer lethal medication under strict conditions. Patients unable to do so themselves could receive assistance from a doctor or nurse.
To qualify, patients must be at least 18 years old and either French citizens or legal residents. A doctor would need to consult a team of healthcare professionals and confirm the patient has a serious, incurable, and life threatening illness in an advanced or terminal stage, with pain that cannot be relieved.
Psychological suffering alone would not qualify someone for the procedure, and people with severe psychiatric disorders or neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s would not be eligible. Requests would be reviewed within 15 days and confirmed after a reflection period of at least two days.
Nice, dix ans après.
Le 14 juillet 2016 ne sera jamais oublié.
La vie a repris son cours, mais elle n’a pas rendu les voix, les visages et les regards de celles et ceux qui nous manquent tant. Nous portons aujourd’hui comme demain le souvenir de chacun. pic.twitter.com/R71qXl8T7q
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 14, 2026
Polling shows a majority of French citizens support legalizing end of life options, with support growing over the past two decades. Advocacy groups say the law would let people choose to end unbearable suffering with full awareness, while emphasizing that no one would be forced to use it.
Opponents, including anti-euthanasia groups, argue the law could pressure older or ill individuals and say access to palliative care should be prioritized instead.
Although the Senate rejected the bill, the National Assembly holds final authority when the two chambers disagree. The bill will now go to France Constitutional Council, which has up to a month to determine whether it meets constitutional standards before it can take effect.
