The French National Assembly passed a controversial “assisted dying” bill on Wednesday, July 15, allowing adults with incurable diseases to end their lives using medication under specific conditions. The legislation, first proposed by President Emmanuel Macron in 2022, passed with 291 votes in favor and 241 against, surpassing the 267-vote threshold required for approval.
Strict Criteria for Assisted Dying in France
The new law distinguishes “assisted dying” from euthanasia. According to the bill, assisted dying involves a patient taking action to end their own life under the guidance or assistance of a physician. To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold French citizenship, or have legal residency.
Doctors must consult a team of experts to verify that the patient suffers from a serious, incurable, and life-threatening illness in its advanced or terminal stage. The law requires that the patient experience physical pain that cannot be relieved by treatment or is otherwise unbearable. Crucially, the bill specifies that psychological suffering alone does not qualify a person for the procedure.
Did you know? Unlike some other jurisdictions, France’s bill requires the patient to be fully autonomous and voluntary in their request, ensuring the decision is made with free and informed consent.
Legislative Conflict and the Final Vote
The path to passage was fraught with political tension. The bill was originally stalled in 2024 following the dissolution of the National Assembly. While the Senate rejected the assisted dying proposal three times, the French Constitution grants the National Assembly the final decision-making power when the two houses disagree.
Le Figaro reported that Prime Minister Lecornu preferred to delay the vote, but President Macron pushed for a swift resolution. Following the vote, Macron stated that the commitment he made to the French people in 2022 has been fulfilled with “solemnity, humility, and full respect for our democracy.”
Opposing Views: Autonomy vs. Ethics
The legislation has split public and political opinion. The “Right to Die with Dignity” association described the vote as a “historic” victory for freedom. Conversely, members of the far-right National Rally, including MP Bentz, questioned why the state would “accelerate death” and argued that the law fails to protect vulnerable groups.
Religious organizations have also condemned the move. Avrilina, president of the French Bishops’ Conference, called the legislation a “major breaking point” in the country’s history, suggesting it fundamentally alters the relationship between society and those who are frail, elderly, or disabled.
Pro Tip for Researchers: When comparing end-of-life laws, look for the distinction between “active euthanasia” (doctor administers the dose) and “assisted suicide” (patient administers the dose). France’s current bill focuses on the latter.
The Rise of “Death Tourism” to Belgium and Switzerland
Data suggests a growing number of French citizens have sought end-of-life services abroad due to the lack of domestic legal options. According to figures cited in the report, at least 158 French nationals traveled to Belgium or Switzerland for assisted dying last year.
| Destination | Number of French Citizens (Last Year) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | 110 | Federal Belgian Commission for Evaluation and Control of Euthanasia |
| Switzerland | 48 (57 in 2024) | Dignitas |
The Belgian data is particularly striking, showing that the number of French citizens seeking euthanasia in Belgium doubled between 2022 and last year.
What Happens Next?
While President Macron aims to implement the law by the end of the year, it may face further delays. Prime Minister Lecornu and Senate Speaker Larcher have indicated they will refer certain provisions to the Constitutional Council for review. The Council has one month to issue a ruling, which could postpone the official promulgation of the law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for assisted dying under the new French law?
Adults (18+) with French citizenship or legal residency who have an incurable, life-threatening illness causing unbearable physical pain.
Can someone apply based on mental health or psychological suffering?
No. The bill explicitly states that psychological suffering cannot be the sole basis for an application.
Is this the same as euthanasia?
No. The bill defines assisted dying as a process where the physician provides the means or guidance, but the patient takes the final action to end their life.
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