France's end‑of‑life law moves toward adoption despite Senate deadlock

After a mixed parliamentary commission failed to reach a compromise on the end‑of‑life bill on 2 June, the French legislative process is set to conclude in the National Assembly. The government plans a final “ultimate shuttle” between the two chambers, with a vote in the Assembly expected on 15 July, after a tentative vote in the Assembly around 22 June and a subsequent Senate vote a week later.

The proposed law would legalise extensive assistance to die, permitting adults with a serious, incurable disease to request a lethal substance administered by a physician or nurse. Deputies and Senate members remain at odds: Senator Olivier Henno said, “Each stayed on their positions, compromise was not possible,” while deputies accused the Senate of deliberately blocking the text. Pro‑euthanasia groups celebrate the timetable, whereas medical bodies warn against forcing a text that lacks consensus. The outcome will shape France’s approach to assisted dying and mark a significant point in President Emmanuel Macron’s presidency.