Key facts
- France's National Assembly approved an assisted dying bill by 295 votes to 232.
- The bill grants a right to aided dying for adults with grave incurable illnesses in an advanced or terminal stage.
- Psychological suffering alone is excluded from access to assisted dying.
- Patients must be over 18, French citizens or residents, and physically unable to administer the substance themselves.
- A conscience clause is included for healthcare professionals who do not wish to participate.
The French National Assembly has passed a controversial assisted dying bill, with 295 votes in favour and 232 against, following its rejection by the Senate in January. The bill establishes a right to aided dying for adults suffering from grave, incurable illnesses in an advanced or terminal stage, provided they experience constant, intolerable, and untreatable pain and are physically unable to administer the lethal substance themselves. Psychological suffering alone will not be grounds for access. Patients must be over 18 and either French citizens or residents. The legislation includes a conscience clause for healthcare professionals who wish to opt out of participation, requiring them to refer patients to other providers. This vote marks a significant step after years of debate and several amendments since the bill was first proposed in 2024, following President Emmanuel Macron's 2022 promise to introduce end-of-life legislation. After the Senate's rejection, a joint committee attempted to find a compromise but failed, leading the bill back to the National Assembly. If the Senate again fails to agree, the National Assembly can have the final say.