France Moves Closer to Legalizing Assisted Dying with National Assembly Vote

France’s National Assembly

France’s National Assembly has approved a landmark bill that would legalize assisted dying for terminally ill adults under strict conditions. The vote, which took place on Tuesday, passed with 305 in favor and 199 against, signaling a major shift in the country’s approach to end-of-life care.

The proposed legislation allows French citizens and residents diagnosed with advanced terminal illnesses to request assisted dying under a highly regulated framework. MP Philippe Vigier emphasized that the bill provides an “ethical path” to assisted dying, while outlining that several categories of individuals will not be eligible. These include children, individuals with disabilities, people in nursing homes, and patients lacking decision-making capacity or those with neurodegenerative disorders.

The measure incorporates stringent safeguards to ensure that only patients who meet specific criteria are considered. The law excludes foreign nationals seeking access solely for assisted dying, further limiting eligibility to those legally residing in France.

During the parliamentary debate, MP Yannick Monnet referenced findings from the French High Authority for Health, which noted the difficulty in predicting a patient’s remaining lifespan. He argued the bill reflects a humane consideration of “quality of life” for those suffering from incurable diseases and acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding end-of-life prognosis.

Despite broad support, the legislation has faced opposition from some lawmakers. MP Christophe Bentz urged for increased investment in palliative care, warning that the bill risks undermining the rights and protections of vulnerable individuals. “If you half-open the door to abandonment, dear colleagues, it will never close again,” he cautioned.

The vote came after a unanimous decision to adopt a separate bill expanding access to palliative care, showing a dual-track approach to addressing terminal illness.

This move aligns France with a growing number of countries reconsidering assisted dying laws, including proposed legislation in the United Kingdom and Scotland. Currently, many French and British citizens travel to Switzerland, where assisted dying is legal, to end their lives with medical support.

Before becoming law, the bill must undergo a review by the French Senate, followed by a second reading in the National Assembly and final promulgation by the President.