France's Parliament to decide on aid‑to‑die law by July 15

The French government plans to propose amendments that would delete the offences of obstruction and incitement related to assisted dying during the next reading of the end‑of‑life bill in the National Assembly. The move, announced by deputy Philippe Vigier (MoDem), aims to ease the legislative debate ahead of a final vote scheduled for 15 July.

A mixed parliamentary commission that met on 2 June failed to reach a compromise between deputies and senators on the same bill. The Senate has repeatedly rejected the proposal, and the deadlock means the text will return to both chambers for another round of readings, with the Assembly holding the final decision under Article 45 of the Constitution. The impending vote will determine whether the law permits the prescription and administration of lethal medication under strict conditions, and whether the new offences will be removed.

The debate centers on balancing safeguards—currently penalising obstruction with up to two years' imprisonment and a €30,000 fine, and incitement with up to one year and €15,000—against demands for greater patient autonomy at the end of life.