French lawmakers back assisted dying bill in landmark vote

In a historic move, French lawmakers have voted in favor of legislation that would allow individuals with terminal illnesses the right to medically assisted dying, marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to end-of-life care.

The bill, championed by President Emmanuel Macron, was approved in the National Assembly with 305 votes in support and 199 against. It now heads to the Senate for review, with the goal of becoming law by 2027.

If enacted, France will join a growing number of European nations — becoming the eighth in the EU — to legalize some form of assisted dying. However, the proposed French model would be more restrictive than those of countries like Belgium or the Netherlands, where similar laws have existed for over two decades.

In parallel, lawmakers also passed a widely supported bill that enshrines the right to palliative care. Currently, nearly half of French patients in need of such care reportedly do not receive it.

President Macron hailed the dual passage of the bills as a pivotal moment. “With respect for sensitivities, doubts and hopes, the path of fraternity that I hoped for is gradually opening up,” he wrote on social media platform X.

Strict Criteria for Eligibility

The assisted dying legislation outlines a cautious and tightly regulated process. Eligibility would be limited to patients suffering from a “serious and incurable illness” that is both life-threatening and in its advanced or terminal stage. Furthermore, patients must be experiencing persistent physical or psychological suffering and be capable of expressing a voluntary and informed decision.

Once approved, patients must reconfirm their request after a 48-hour reflection period. The lethal dose would be self-administered unless the patient is physically unable, in which case a healthcare provider may assist.

Authorization would rest with a physician following peer consultation, ensuring that no decision is taken unilaterally.

Divided Opinions Across Political and Moral Lines

The debate leading up to the vote stretched over two weeks and saw deeply personal, ethical, and philosophical arguments raised across party lines. Lawmakers were granted a free vote, acknowledging that views on the matter transcend political affiliation.

While centrist and left-wing MPs largely supported the bill, conservative and far-right representatives voiced concern. Critics argued that the legislation’s language was overly broad and could unintentionally extend eligibility to individuals who may still have years to live.

Religious and ethical objections also shaped opposition. Some conservatives and Catholic leaders warned that the law could pressure vulnerable people, especially the elderly or disabled, to choose death over becoming a burden to their families.

During a protest outside Parliament, a 44-year-old woman with Parkinson’s disease compared the proposed law to “leaving a loaded pistol on my bedside table.”

Some progressive MPs attempted to expand the bill’s scope to include minors, foreign nationals, and patients with advance directives prior to losing consciousness. These efforts, however, did not succeed.

Legal Safeguards and Controversial Clauses

The bill ensures that healthcare professionals can opt out of participating in assisted dying procedures based on moral or religious grounds. At the same time, it introduces a two-year prison penalty for anyone who obstructs a patient’s access to the process.

An amendment to criminalize incitement to assisted dying was proposed by conservatives but was ultimately rejected.

Prime Minister François Bayrou, a devout Catholic who does not hold a parliamentary seat, publicly stated he would have abstained had he been eligible to vote.

As France moves toward potential legalization, the debate over the morality, legality, and implications of assisted dying is far from over. But for now, supporters see the bill’s passage as a powerful affirmation of dignity, autonomy, and compassion at the end of life.