France’s National Assembly has voted to create a right to assisted dying under strict conditions, after years of debate and changes to the proposals.
MPs backed the bill by 291 to 241, marking the fourth time it was approved in the lower house. The Senate, dominated by right‑wing parties, had rejected the proposal three times earlier.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will forward sections of the bill to France’s Constitutional Council for review before it can become law.
Under the new law, French adults suffering from a serious and incurable, life‑threatening illness in an advanced or terminal stage can choose assisted dying if they are in constant physical or psychological pain that is “unbearable or resistant to treatment.”
The patient must openly express their intent to a doctor, who then conducts a consultation within 15 days. After a mandatory two‑day reflection period, the patient may administer a lethal substance themselves; otherwise, a doctor or nurse can administer it. Verification of the patient’s decision on the day shall be made by the physician.
The vote could bring France into the cohort of European countries that have legalized assisted dying, such as Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
The debate reflects strong opposition from the Catholic Church, parts of the medical profession and some MPs who fear the law may burden patients. Policymakers and supporters stress that the bill includes safeguards against misuse and respects patients’ autonomy.
Public opinion polling suggests that a large majority of French citizens support giving terminally ill individuals a choice between palliative care and assisted dying, despite the political controversy.
