On Wednesday, July 15th, 2026, France's parliament approved a bill permitting assisted dying for terminally ill adults. The legislation allows adults who are terminally ill and experiencing constant physical suffering to request a lethal substance, which may be self-administered or administered by a doctor.

The law applies to French citizens or legal residents with life-threatening illnesses in advanced or terminal stages. Psychological suffering alone does not qualify, excluding those with severe psychiatric disorders or neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Patients must be capable of expressing a free and informed choice, undergo examination by a physician, and have their case reviewed by a panel of experts.

The lower house of the National Assembly passed the bill with 291 votes in favor and 241 against. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu noted the legislation would now proceed to the Constitutional Council for final approval, bypassing the right-wing dominated Senate. He remarked that the vote concluded "14 years of parliamentary battles."

If ratified, France will join Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Canada, New Zealand, and some US states and Australia in legalizing assisted dying.

Prime Minister Lecornu reflected, "In 2022, I made a commitment to open this path with the French people. With seriousness, humility, and in full respect of our democracy, that commitment has been honored."

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