Lawmakers in France prepare to cast their initial ballot on a proposed legislation concerning aid in dying.
France's Parliament advances bill legalizing end-of-life aid for terminally ill
A significant step toward legalizing aid-in-dying, or assisted dying, has been taken in France as the National Assembly (the lower house) approved a bill on May 27, 2025. The vote resulted in 305 in favor, and 199 against.
The bill, now in the approval stage, requires the Senate's (upper house) review before undergoing a second and final reading in the National Assembly, potentially resulting in the enactment of the law. The government seeks to complete this process by 2027, well before France's next presidential elections in which President Emmanuel Macron cannot stand after serving two consecutive terms.
The proposed legislation covers adults over 18 facing incurable, advanced, or terminal illnesses causing constant physical or mental suffering. French citizens or residents meeting these criteria can request medical assistance to end their lives, subject to approval by a medical team. After a 15-day review and a 2-day reflection period, if the patient's decision remains firm, lethal medication will be provided for self-administration or with the aid of medical professionals.
Centrist and left-wing politicians, including President Macron, support the bill as a measure preserving end-of-life autonomy. However, opposition arises from conservative and religious groups, reflecting France's strong Catholic traditions, who express ethical and moral concerns. A majority of the French public supports the right to choose aid-in-dying for the terminally ill.
The bill adheres to stringent guidelines to ensure safety and ethical conduct. The French model of assisted dying will reportedly be "strict and closely monitored." If the law is approved, France will join a small group of European countries with similar legislation, including Germany, Spain, Austria, and Switzerland.
On the sidelines of this contentious debate, another bill regarding end-of-life medical assistance like palliative care is expected to pass without substantial opposition. The bills concerning aid-in-dying and palliative care were presented simultaneously.
While the bill's journey is not yet complete, its passage in the National Assembly signifies a monumental step in transforming France's approach to end-of-life care. The bill will face scrutiny in the Senate, followed by a final vote in the National Assembly before it potentially becomes law.
- Emmanuel Macron, a supporter of the bill, is a centrist and left-wing politician in France.
- The bill legalizing end-of-life aid for terminally ill individuals will undergo a review by the French Senate before a final reading in the National Assembly.
- The health-and-wellness legislation in France covers adults over 18 facing incurable, advanced, or terminal illnesses and includes therapies-and-treatments such as lethal medication.
- Public polls show a majority of the French population supports the right to choose aid-in-dying for the terminally ill, despite opposition from conservative and religious groups.
- Apart from the bill on aid-in-dying, another bill concerning palliative care is expected to pass without substantial opposition, marking changes in France's policy-and-legislation regarding end-of-life care.
