France passes law granting right to assisted dying

On 15 July 2026 the French National Assembly approved a law creating a right to medically assisted death, passing it by a vote of 291‑241.

The legislation permits any adult French citizen or resident who is suffering from a serious, incurable, life‑threatening condition and enduring unbearable physical suffering to request assisted dying, provided the request is made freely and knowingly. Physicians must receive the request in person, have no personal or family ties to the patient, and may not be under a contractual relationship with the patient. For persons under legal protection, the law requires consultation with a trusted person, while psychological suffering alone is not sufficient grounds for a request.