Third attempt successful: National Assembly confirms right to assistance in dying – final vote on 15 July

Paris – 30 June 2026: The French National Assembly on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, approved at third reading a bill that would enshrine a right to assisted dying. The decision came after several days of debate, with 295 votes in favour and 232 against. Around 1,800 amendments were considered, many of them aimed at more precise access criteria and additional oversight bodies.

The text is aimed at adults with permanent residence in France who suffer from a serious, incurable illness, are in an advanced or terminal stage, and are experiencing a treatment-resistant situation of suffering. Conditions include confirmed decision-making capacity, repeated declarations of intent, and clearly defined decision-making. During the readings, the deputies tightened the medical assessment, time limits and documentation requirements in order to rule out abuse and define the role of the treating teams as well as the freedom of conscience of staff.

Politically, the process remains tense. The Assemblée nationale had already adopted similar versions in May 2025 and February 2026; the Sénat was opposed by a majority. The draft now returns first to the upper chamber. If no agreement is reached there, the government intends to leave the final decision to the deputies on 15 July 2026. The Minister for Relations with Parliament, Laurent Panifous, stressed the urgency of the reform; formal coercive measures are seen as an option, but for now remain in the background.

The dividing lines do not run strictly along party lines. Deputies from the president’s camp, La France insoumise and parts of the Greens supported the proposal. Conservatives and right-wing forces, especially in the Sénat, reject it, citing ethical, palliative-care and legal-certainty concerns. At hearings, experts stressed the need for clear safeguards, mandatory reporting and independent oversight, for example by a national body with an evaluation mandate.

Hospitals and palliative care facilities face questions regarding procedures, responsibilities and training. The draft refers to protocols, documentation requirements and the possibility of organising procedures externally where there are conscientious objections. At the same time, strengthening palliative care remains a cross-cutting issue that will come up again in accompanying texts and budget debates.

Over the next two weeks, the text is likely to move back and forth between the two chambers. In addition to the final vote on 15 July, constitutional reviews are conceivable. Regardless of the outcome, the process shows how deeply the issue of ending life affects social, medical and institutional lines in France.