France’s National Assembly has taken a significant step towards legalising end-of-life assistance, passing a draft law described as “aid in dying” rather than euthanasia.
The bill, approved in a first reading by 305 votes to 199, sidesteps direct reference to euthanasia or assisted suicide – terms deemed too sensitive for the national debate.
The measure, long debated in French political life, marks a substantial shift in a country often seen as a champion of human rights but historically cautious on the right to die. All political parties granted their members a free vote, reflecting the ethical complexity and emotional weight of the issue. Most opposition came from the political right.
Philippe Juvin, speaking for Les Républicains, challenged the direction of the bill: “Do we want a society that cares for people, or one that provides death on demand?” Christophe Bentz of the far-right Rassemblement National appealed to France’s self-image, saying the country should remain “the light of nations”.
Broad Public Support
In contrast to the political divisions, public opinion in France strongly favours a legal right to euthanasia. A May 2024 Ifop poll found 92% support for the right to euthanasia in cases of unbearable and incurable suffering. High-profile cases, such as film director Jean-Luc Godard’s 2022 assisted death in Switzerland, have highlighted the lack of options for French citizens.
A more recent Ifop survey conducted among medical professionals showed 74% in favour of legalisation, suggesting shifting attitudes within the healthcare community.
The proposed law outlines strict conditions under which a patient may request lethal medication. The individual must be over 18, suffer from a serious and incurable illness in an advanced or terminal stage, and experience physical or psychological suffering. The patient must also be capable of expressing their will clearly and freely. If these conditions are met, a request may be submitted for evaluation by at least two doctors and a nurse.
The patient is intended to self-administer the substance under supervision. In cases where this is no longer possible, a physician or nurse may perform the act.
Expansion of Palliative Care
The legislative package also includes a separate bill to strengthen palliative care services. Currently, 22 French départements lack such services altogether, while others are under significant strain. Under the new provisions, patients would be entitled to seek legal redress if adequate palliative care is unavailable. This part of the legislation passed unanimously.
Supporters argue that improved end-of-life care and regulated access to medically assisted death need not be mutually exclusive. The government insists the intention is to provide dignity and choice, particularly for those facing extreme suffering.
Opposition from Religious and Medical Groups
Nonetheless, strong resistance remains. The French Catholic Church and the French Society for Palliative Care maintain that the law risks normalising euthanasia and eroding existing care frameworks. Critics also point to the language of the legislation, suggesting it conceals its true intent.
Conservative daily Le Figaro described the bill as “the law of lies”, arguing that the avoidance of terms like euthanasia masks the true moral implications. The newspaper warned that a measure presented as exceptional could become routine.
Prime Minister François Bayrou voiced concern that the legislation might render “an ultimate act” into something “banal and ordinary”. Like others, he questioned the provision criminalising obstruction of an approved euthanasia, which could carry penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment and €30,000 in fines.
Next Steps and Political Stakes
The bill now proceeds to the Senate, where the centre-right Les Républicains hold the largest number of seats. Amendments are likely, and resistance could intensify.
President Emmanuel Macron has positioned the initiative as part of his broader vision of a more compassionate republic, describing it as a “law of humanity and fraternity”. However, he has acknowledged that political deadlock remains possible and has not ruled out calling a referendum should the legislation stall.
The choice of terminology—“aid in dying” rather than euthanasia—has been described by opponents as semantic evasion. But for Macron, the language reflects an effort to balance ethical complexity with political pragmatism.
As the debate moves to the upper chamber, the measure remains contested—both in form and in substance. Yet with public opinion firmly behind change, France appears closer than ever to joining neighbouring Belgium and the Netherlands in legislating for the right to die.
