Top News

New Delhi: France’s National Assembly has approved a landmark assisted dying bill that would allow adults suffering from incurable and life-threatening illnesses to seek medical assistance to end their lives under strict conditions. The legislation, backed by President Emmanuel Macron’s government, marks one of the most significant changes to France’s end-of-life care laws in decades, though it still faces a constitutional review before it can come into force.

“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,” French 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,” he wrote further.

The bill was passed by the lower house of parliament on Wednesday by 291 votes to 241 after years of political and ethical debate. It creates a legal right to assisted dying for eligible adults who are French citizens or legal residents and are suffering from an incurable, life-threatening illness that causes unbearable physical or psychological suffering.

Under the legislation, patients must voluntarily request assisted dying and undergo multiple medical assessments to confirm they meet the legal criteria. A mandatory reflection period is also included. In most cases, the patient would self-administer the prescribed lethal substance. If they are physically unable to do so, a doctor or nurse would be permitted to administer it.

The vote represents a major shift in France’s approach to end-of-life care, where euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide have long remained illegal. 

Supporters argue the law gives terminally ill patients greater autonomy and dignity in their final days, while maintaining stringent safeguards against abuse.

“Can it still be called a life when the suffering is so great that you can no longer do anything?” said Anne Raynaud, a representative of France’s association for the right to die in dignity (ADMD). “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.”

The legislation has, however, also triggered strong opposition in many quarters of French society who argue that vulnerable people could face subtle pressure to opt for assisted dying. Critics have also questioned the use of terms such as “unbearable suffering,” saying they could be interpreted too broadly.

The bill now awaits scrutiny by France’s Constitutional Council before it can become law. According to opinion polls, public support for legalising assisted dying remains high in France, with a large majority of respondents favouring the reform.