French parliament approves assisted-dying bill, pending constitutional review

France's National Assembly has approved a landmark assisted-dying bill that would create a legal right to the practice for adults with incurable illnesses under strict conditions. Lawmakers passed the text by 291 votes to 241 after an intense ethical and political debate. The measure still needs approval from the Constitutional Council before it can take effect.

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The bill would allow a person to receive a lethal substance if they request it, with the substance either self-administered or administered by a doctor or nurse if the patient is physically unable to do so. Access would be limited to adults who are French citizens or legal residents, and who have an incurable life-threatening illness in an advanced or terminal phase. It would also apply only to patients experiencing constant physical or psychological suffering linked to that condition and who are capable of making free and informed decisions.

President Emmanuel Macron said on social media that the issue, which concerns life, suffering and dignity, required time, dialogue and debate. He said he had made a commitment in 2022 to pursue the path with the French people and had honoured that pledge with seriousness and respect for democracy. Supporters of the bill say it will give people facing unbearable suffering greater autonomy and control over how they die, while keeping safeguards in place.

If the Constitutional Council gives its approval, France would join countries including the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Canada in legalising assisted dying. The vote places France among a small group of states that have moved to regulate end-of-life decisions through law rather than leaving them entirely to medical practice or criminal law. It also reflects a broader European debate over how to balance personal autonomy, medical ethics and protection against abuse.

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The issue has been the subject of long-running ethical and political disagreement in France. Opponents, including sections of the far-right National Rally and religious groups, have argued that legalising assisted dying could create risks of misuse. The Catholic Church has also opposed the legislation, with one bishop threatening to deny communion to lawmakers, underscoring the depth of the dispute around the bill.

What happens next depends on the Constitutional Council's review, which will determine whether the legislation can proceed. The exact timing of any implementation has not been confirmed in the supplied material. For now, the vote marks a major step in a debate that has divided lawmakers, campaigners and religious leaders, and the final legal outcome remains unresolved.

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