Euthanasia: Lecornu will refer the matter to the Constitutional Council after the parliamentary vote

Paris – July 15, 2026: Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu plans to refer the assisted dying bill to the French Constitutional Council, the Conseil constitutionnel, for review following the scheduled final vote in the National Assembly. According to people close to President Emmanuel Macron, the decision has been coordinated between the Prime Minister’s Office and the Élysée Palace. The government describes the move as the final stage of a lengthy parliamentary and democratic process.

The National Assembly was scheduled to hold its final deliberation on Wednesday, July 15. At the time of the announcement, there was no officially confirmed final voting result. Following several rejections by the Senate, the National Assembly may have the final say in this legislative process. The Senate most recently rejected the text on July 7, making the final deliberation at the Palais Bourbon possible.

The government cited the reform’s particular ethical and legal issues to explain the need for a preventive review. The Prime Minister’s Office specifically referred to human dignity and the conditions under which those concerned must make a free and informed decision. The review will also clarify whether provisions concerning healthcare professionals and the manner in which the procedure is carried out comply with constitutional requirements.

The text provides for access to lethal substances under certain conditions. In principle, they should be taken by the person concerned; if they are physically unable to do so, they may be administered by a doctor or caregiver. Under the current version, a reflection period of at least two days is provided between the medical decision and the patient’s confirmation of their wishes. This period is one of the points of dispute.

The bill underwent a lengthy institutional preparation process. It follows Macron’s 2022 campaign promise, the 2023 citizens’ convention on end-of-life issues, and the first government draft in 2024. However, after the dissolution of the National Assembly in June 2024, the process had to be restarted. The current final phase was preceded by several rounds of deliberation and an unsuccessful attempt at reconciliation between the two chambers.

Under Article 61 of the Constitution, referral to the Constitutional Council before a law is promulgated is possible. The President, the Prime Minister, the speakers of both chambers, or 60 members of parliament or senators respectively may file a request. In principle, the Council must issue its decision within one month; referral suspends the deadline for promulgating the law. Senate President Gérard Larcher and right-wing majority senators have also announced that they will take their own legal action.

Politically, Lecornu’s move is therefore not a departure from a central project of Macron’s second term, but an attempt to ensure that its entry into force is legally secure. The constitutional review procedure may confirm, challenge, or remove individual provisions from the law. Only after the procedure has concluded can the President promulgate the text. Its actual implementation will subsequently also depend on implementing regulations and the organizational arrangements of the healthcare system.