France's lower house passes assisted dying bill

France's National Assembly voted on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, to create a legal right to assisted dying for adults with incurable, life-threatening illnesses, concluding years of intense national debate. The lower house approved the final text by a vote of 291 to 241, paving the way for France to join several other European countries that permit some form of assisted dying.

The legislation establishes strict eligibility criteria. Access is reserved for French adults or legal residents suffering from a serious, incurable illness in an advanced or terminal stage, causing constant physical or psychological suffering that is unbearable or resistant to treatment. The patient must be capable of expressing a free and informed choice, a requirement that excludes individuals with severe cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's. A patient initiates the process by submitting a request to a doctor, who then consults with other healthcare professionals and has 15 days to decide on eligibility. Following a minimum two-day reflection period, the patient must confirm the request. The lethal substance is typically self-administered, but a doctor or nurse may assist if the patient is physically unable.