The French National Assembly has passed a landmark bill that could pave the way for medically assisted dying in France, responding to strong public support for end-of-life rights.
The proposed legislation was approved on Tuesday in its first reading, with 305 MPs voting in favour and 199 against. While President Emmanuel Macron supports the bill, it has faced pushback from conservative lawmakers.
Following the vote, Macron described it as “an important step” on “the path of fraternity,” expressing cautious optimism about balancing differing perspectives on the sensitive issue.
Under the bill, adults suffering from severe, incurable illnesses at an advanced or terminal stage — and experiencing unbearable, untreatable suffering — would be eligible for medically assisted dying. Patients must be French citizens or residents and would need to make the request voluntarily and reaffirm it after a reflection period. A team of medical professionals would then assess the patient’s eligibility.
If approved, doctors could prescribe lethal medication to be self-administered by the patient or, if necessary, administered by a healthcare professional. The procedure could take place at home, in a nursing home, or in a healthcare facility.
The bill now advances to the French Senate for further discussion — a process that could stretch over several months given France’s complex legislative process. Ultimately, the National Assembly has the power to settle any disagreements between the two chambers.
Surveys show that more than 90% of the French public supports the right of terminally ill patients to choose medically assisted dying. According to a 2023 government report, support has steadily grown over the past two decades.
Debate on the issue was paused last year when Macron dissolved the National Assembly, triggering political uncertainty. With Tuesday’s vote, France has reignited the national conversation about the right to die with dignity.
