17 July 2026

Following extensive discussions spanning several years, France's National Assembly has approved legislation enabling assisted dying for individuals facing terminal illness. Each request must undergo evaluation by a multidisciplinary team that incorporates a healthcare specialist. With the Senate having turned down the measure repeatedly in the past, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu intends to forward the bill to the Constitutional Council.

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The true implications of the new rules remain obscured, according to Gauthier Vaillant, editor-in-chief of L'Opinion:

“Facts were misrepresented throughout the entire discussion. Expressions such as 'euthanasia' and 'assisted suicide' were deliberately sidestepped, while supporters worked hard to downplay the core change: France is now authorising help to end life. ... Presented as 'extremely strict' rules? In reality the French approach ranks among the more permissive, with loose standards on remaining lifespan, a so-called collective review that often reduces to a single physician, and a mere two-day waiting period. ... True choice is limited when palliative services still fail to reach half of those who qualify.”

Libération welcomes the outcome:

“Finally! ... The path proved long and intricate, yet this societal advance, backed by public opinion, deserves recognition. ... One concern lingers: conservative groups have typically resisted prior social reforms. The present climate appears even more resistant to change. ... With the presidential election set for next April and May, little opportunity remains for the statute to take hold before then. A missed chance.”

The taz France correspondent Rudolf Balmer supports the step:

“Families who long sought medical help to relieve unbearable suffering for loved ones can finally feel relief, as can the doctors and nurses who previously felt unable to act. ... Much like the abortion debate, conservative and reactionary critics will continue their resistance. ... Actual rollout will spark fresh contention. ... Still, it is positive that France can advance on social policy questions, something far from guaranteed lately.”

Paul Ackermann of Le Temps stresses that democratic processes held:

“Personal and emotional dimensions received proper attention. Free votes occurred across every parliamentary bloc, allowing conscience-based decisions. Even amid a debate that risked turning divisive, French institutions delivered a reform many citizens sought. ... No widespread unrest emerged, and exchanges stayed measured. Citizens were prepared, and lawmakers responded. This demonstrates functioning democracy during challenging times, an approach worth applying elsewhere.”

La Stampa notes France confronted the issue directly:

“For three years French lawmakers examined one of the era's core questions. ... Their exchanges reached newspapers, broadcasts and online platforms, prompting citizens to share views openly. Complete agreement may prove elusive and adjustments could follow. Yet this process of inquiry and problem-solving is how a nation develops.”