17 July 2026

After extensive deliberations spanning several years, France's National Assembly approved a measure authorizing assisted dying for those facing terminal illness. Each request requires evaluation by a multidisciplinary team that includes at least one physician. With the Senate having previously blocked similar proposals, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu intends to submit the measure to the Constitutional Council for review.

Gauthier Vaillant, editor-in-chief of L'Opinion, argues that key details remain obscured: "The truth has been distorted at every stage of this debate. Terms such as 'euthanasia' and 'assisted suicide' have been avoided, the bill's proponents have tirelessly sought to gloss over the reality: helping someone die is being legalised in France. ... Under 'extremely strict' conditions, as they constantly claim? On the contrary, the French model turns out to be one of the most lenient: vague criteria regarding life expectancy; a 'collective decision' that is a sham, having been scrutinised by just one doctor; a two-day reflection period. ... And where is the freedom of choice when access to palliative care is not even guaranteed for half of the eligible patients?"

Libération welcomes the outcome: "At last! ... It has been a long and complicated journey, but this social progress, which was decided with the backing of the French people, is of course to be welcomed. ... But there is a caveat: for years, with every advance society has made, the conservative parties have generally remained entrenched in their opposition. The current mood is more reactionary than ever before. ... The French presidential election is due to take place next April and May. This leaves little time for the law to take effect and have an impact. That's a pity."

The taz's France correspondent Rudolf Balmer supports the change: "All those families who had desperately hoped that their suffering loved ones would be given medical assistance to end their lives, which had become so unbearable, can now breathe a sigh of relief. The same goes for all the doctors and carers who felt powerless in this situation. ... As with the legalisation of abortion, the conservative and reactionary opponents of assisted dying will not give up. ... The practical implementation will be a new battle. ... At least it is encouraging to see that France is still capable of reform on sociopolitical issues. That has been anything but a given in recent years."

Paul Ackermann of Le Temps highlights democratic integrity: "The personal and emotional aspects of the issue have been respected. Free voting was fully preserved across all parliamentary groups. Everyone was able to vote according to their conscience. Despite a public debate that bordered on a culture war, French democracy has succeeded in bringing about a change that many citizens had been waiting for. ... The popular uprising many had feared has failed to materialise, and the debate did not escalate. The French people are ready, and their parliamentarians have understood this. This shows that this democracy still functions even in the midst of a crisis. A dignified stance that should also be applied to other issues."

La Stampa notes the open process: "For three years now, French MPs have grappled with and debated one of the most fundamental issues of our time. ... Their debates were of course picked up by the newspapers, television and social media, and in turn kindled public debate in which citizens were encouraged to freely express their opinions. It may not be possible to reach a full consensus and the law may have to be further adapted in the future. But this is precisely how a country grows: by embarking on a process of seeking a solution and asking itself fundamental questions."