Reporting for this piece came from Al Jazeera's staff, as well as AFP and Reuters.

The legislation, passed by 291 votes to 241 in the National Assembly, marks a historic shift in France's approach to end-of-life care.

Published On 15 Jul 202615 Jul 2026

French lawmakers have adopted a ⁠bill that will create a legal right to assisted dying for adults with incurable illnesses, following an intense ethical and political debate.

The legislation, which was passed on Wednesday in France’s parliament, will allow a person to receive a lethal ⁠substance under strict conditions, should they request it. The substance could be self-administered or administered by a doctor or nurse if the patient is physically unable to do so.

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Eligibility for assisted dying is limited to French citizens or legal residents who have an incurable, life-threatening illness in an advanced or terminal stage, and suffer persistent physical or psychological pain related to that condition, while retaining full decision-making capacity.

The lower house of Parliament, the National Assembly, adopted the text by 291 votes to 241.

“On this issue, which is as personal as it is serious, and which concerns life, suffering and dignity, there was only one possible ‌approach: to take the time to listen, engage in dialogue and hold a debate,” President Emmanuel Macron said on X.

“In 2022, I made a commitment to forge this path together with the French people. With seriousness, humility and full respect for our democracy, I have honoured that commitment.”

If the country’s Constitutional Council approves the legislation, France will join the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Canada in legalising assisted dying.

Proponents argue that the law empowers individuals facing intolerable end-of-life suffering with greater autonomy over their death, while still maintaining rigorous safeguards.

“People will be able to decide for themselves when and how they want to die once their suffering has become unbearable and can no longer be relieved,” said Anne ⁠Raynaud, a representative of France’s association for the right to die in dignity.

Opponents, including sections of the far-right National Rally party and religious groups, argued that legalising assisted dying could risk the process being abused. The Catholic Church is among those that have opposed the legislation, with one bishop threatening to deny communion to lawmakers who support it.

“A society grounded in fraternity supports, protects, and cares ⁠for people,” said Bruno Retailleau, a conservative presidential candidate. “It never gives up on the most fragile among us,” he wrote in criticism of the bill on X.

France’s Senate, where the conservative right has a majority, voted against it, but the lower house of ‌Parliament has the final word – even though the bill could still be reviewed and amended by the Constitutional Council.

If the Constitutional Council approves, France will join the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Canada in legalizing assisted dying. The law includes strict conditions: only adults with incurable, terminal illnesses and constant suffering who make free and informed requests are eligible. Supporters say it grants greater autonomy and dignity at the end of life, while maintaining safeguards against abuse.