France Senate blocks key aid‑to‑die legislation

On 12 May 2026 the French Senate rejected article 2 of the proposed “aid to die” law, the cornerstone of the reform that would have created a regulated right to assisted dying. The vote was 151 against vs 118 in favour, with left‑leaning senators and some centrists supporting the measure and most right‑wing senators opposing it.

The proposal, which had already been approved twice by the National Assembly, now faces a mixed‑parliamentary commission (CMP) or further debate in the Assembly. Government officials have indicated a desire to finalize the reform before the summer recess, while some senators have called for a citizen‑initiated referendum. Senator Bernard Fialaire labelled the Senate’s action a “sabordage”, and other commentators noted the text had become “inapplicable”.

If the CMP fails, the bill could return to the Assembly for another reading, leaving the future of the assisted‑dying framework uncertain amid sharp political and ethical divisions.