French Parliament moves assisted‑dying bill toward final vote

A French parliamentary proposal to legalise assisted dying has progressed through multiple readings since its introduction in March 2025. The bill, which would introduce a right to both assisted suicide and euthanasia, passed its first reading in the National Assembly in May 2025 but was repeatedly rejected by the Senate in 2026. After a failed joint committee, the Assembly adopted a revised version on 30 June 2026 and the Senate’s Social Affairs Commission moved to block further examination. The Senate began its third reading on 7 July 2026, the last step before the Assembly is scheduled to cast a definitive vote on 15 July 2026.

Patient testimonies published on 6 July 2026 illustrate the human impact of the proposal. Eligible individuals must be adults of French nationality or stable residence, suffer from a serious incurable illness causing unbearable suffering, and express a free, informed will. The stories of patients with cancer, Charcot disease and other severe conditions highlight the personal stakes as the legislation nears final approval.