French Parliament approves landmark assisted-dying bill
The French Parliament has passed a landmark bill legalizing assisted dying for adults with incurable, terminal illnesses. The legislation, which requires final approval from the Constitutional Council, allows for lethal substances to be administered under strict conditions.
Why it matters
This represents a significant shift in medical ethics and human rights policy in France, aligning it with a small group of other nations.
Parliament adopted the text by 291 votes to 241, though it still needs approval from the Constitutional Council.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info French MPs attend the voting session on the assisted dying bill at the National Assembly, France's lower house of parliament in Paris on July 15, 2026 [AFP] By Al Jazeera Staff , AFP and Reuters Published On 15 Jul 2026 15 Jul 2026 French lawmakers have adopted a bill that will create a legal right to assisted dying for adults with incurable illnesses, following an intense ethical and political debate.
The legislation, which was passed on Wednesday in France’s parliament, will allow a person to receive a lethal substance under strict conditions, should they request it. The substance could be self-administered or administered by a doctor or nurse if the patient is physically unable to do so.
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