France's National Assembly voted on Wednesday, July 15th, 2026, to establish a right to assisted dying under strict conditions after years of debate and multiple revisions to the proposals. The bill passed with 291 votes in favor and 241 against, overcoming three prior rejections by the Senate, the upper house of parliament.

The legislation permits assisted dying for French adults suffering from a "serious and incurable" life-threatening illness in an advanced or terminal stage. Eligible patients must endure constant physical or psychological suffering that is unbearable or resistant to treatment. They must also "freely manifest his or her intention" to a doctor, who will then decide after consultation within 15 days. Following a two-day reflection period, the patient is required to self-administer a lethal substance.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu plans to refer parts of the bill to France's Constitutional Council for review before it can become law.

Ahead of the vote, Lecornu's office stated that although the National Assembly extensively debated the bill, the Senate had not provided scrutiny that satisfied "both the aspirations of its supporters and concerns of those worried about its implementation."

The bill raises considerations about the ability of patients under legal protection due to impaired judgment to exercise free and informed consent.

For context, the Netherlands and Belgium legalized assisted dying in 2002 for individuals experiencing unbearable suffering from incurable illnesses, allowing physicians to administer the procedure.

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