After years of debates and several blockages in Parliament, France adopted on Wednesday the law that introduces the right to „aid in dying,” one of the most controversial social reforms of President Emmanuel Macron.
The National Assembly approved the project with 291 votes in favor, 21 against, and 29 abstentions, authorizing for the first time assisted suicide and, in certain situations, euthanasia.
According to AFP, the law is set to be reviewed by the Constitutional Council before being promulgated by President Emmanuel Macron and the adoption of implementing rules.
Who can benefit from the new right
The law establishes strict conditions for access to the procedure.
Only adult patients suffering from an incurable disease that endangers their life and who can freely and knowingly express their will can request "aid in dying."
Eligibility will be verified by a doctor, followed by the evaluation of the case by a commission of doctors, with the final decision resting with the responsible physician.
The patient can withdraw from the procedure at any time.
In principle, the administration of the lethal substance will be done by the patient themselves. Only if the patient is not physically able to do so, the doctor or a nurse can intervene.
Macron: "The commitment has been fulfilled"
President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the adoption of the law, which he described as fulfilling a promise made back in 2022.
"In 2022, I made the commitment to open this path together with the French people. With seriousness, humility, and full respect for our democracy, this commitment has been fulfilled," wrote the head of state on the X platform, thanking the parliamentarians for their "constructive and respectful debate."
The legislative process began after the Citizens' Convention launched by Macron in 2022, which favored the introduction of "active aid in dying." However, the progress of the law was interrupted by the dissolution of the National Assembly in 2024, and the project was later resumed by deputy Olivier Falorni.
Opposition challenges the law
Although the left and the presidential camp largely supported the project, the right and the far right opposed it, with the vote left to the discretion of the deputies.
Member of Parliament Christophe Bentz from the Rassemblement National party urged colleagues to vote "against the text of death."
Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters gathered near the National Assembly to protest against the adoption of the law, and the Conference of Bishops of France denounced what it called "a serious rupture in our country's history."
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that he would refer the law to the Constitutional Council, in accordance with President Macron, to verify the constitutionality of certain provisions of the law, including the minimum reflection period of two days granted to the patient after the request is approved.
If the constitutional judges validate the text, Macron will be able to promulgate it, and the Government will then have to adopt the decrees necessary for the implementation of the new law.
Thus, France joins a small group of states that allow a form of end-of-life medical assistance, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Canada, and Uruguay.