The National Assembly makes a final decision on the right to assisted dying

Paris – 15.07.2026: The National Assembly will make a final decision this Wednesday on a bill intended to create, under strict conditions, a right to assistance in dying in France. The vote at the Palais Bourbon marks the provisional endpoint of a political and parliamentary process lasting more than two years. President Emmanuel Macron had already announced a reform of the right to die in 2022 and subsequently described it as a distinct French path.

The text was substantially amended by lawmakers. It provides that adult French nationals may apply for access to assistance in dying, provided they suffer from a serious and incurable illness whose course is potentially life-threatening. In addition, they must suffer from physical or psychological distress linked to the illness that is persistent and, according to medical criteria, cannot be sufficiently treated or is unbearable for those affected.

A central requirement remains the free and informed formation of the will. The applicant must be able to express their wish independently; their capacity for judgment must not be severely impaired. Immediately before the administration of the lethal substance, a doctor must verify whether the decision remains unchanged. If pressure or influence is detected, the procedure must be suspended and the public prosecutor’s office must intervene.

The law is based in principle on the model of self-administration. Only if a patient is no longer physically able to do so may a doctor or nursing professional administer the substance. Healthcare staff may invoke an individual conscience clause, but in that case must refer to other professionals willing to participate. The text does not provide for a collective conscience clause requested by religious institutions.

The scope of access remained particularly controversial. An initially debated time limit based on remaining life expectancy was abandoned. Lawmakers noted that such forecasts are medically uncertain and could disadvantage people with neurodegenerative diseases. Critics, by contrast, fear that the legal criteria are formulated too broadly. Supporters refer to the cumulative requirements and the medical assessment of each individual case.

The National Assembly approved the text on second reading on 30 June 2026 by 295 votes to 232. The Senate rejected it for the third time on 7 July, approving a motion for prior rejection by 169 votes to 164. Following the failure of the conciliation procedure, the National Assembly may have the final say under the Constitution.

The path to the final vote was also marked by political disruptions: the dissolution of Parliament and the fall of François Bayrou’s government delayed deliberations. In parallel, a law to strengthen palliative care was adopted. If the text is approved, constitutional review is likely to follow quickly: Senate President Gérard Larcher has announced that he will refer the matter to the Constitutional Council.