France moves toward right‑to‑die law as National Assembly completes third reading

On 27 June 2026 the French National Assembly finished its third reading of a controversial bill that would grant a regulated right to assisted suicide for patients with incurable, painful illnesses. The draft, championed as part of President Emmanuel Macron’s pledge to introduce a "dignified death" law, requires stringent safeguards, including medical supervision, prior consent and rigorous diagnosis.

A final vote in the Assembly is slated for 30 June 2026, followed by a possible adoption date of 15 July. The Senate rejected the proposal in January 2026 and a mixed parliamentary commission failed to reconcile differences, meaning the bill will return to the lower house without a Senate vote. Over 1,800 amendments were considered in the latest session, with only 23 approved.

Supporters argue the measure restores autonomy to terminally ill patients, while opponents warn it could expose vulnerable groups to pressure and lack sufficient procedural safeguards. The outcome will determine whether France establishes a statutory right to assisted dying, reshaping medical‑ethics policy nationwide.