In the last way: The French National Assembly passed a bill on euthanasia

In France, on June 30, the lower house of parliament called for the adoption of a law allowing euthanasia for people with incurable diseases. It has been under consideration by Parliament for more than a year, before that the vote was held twice. Details can be found in the Izvestia article.

The law on euthanasia in France

A bill allowing euthanasia for people with incurable diseases was submitted to the French parliament in March 2025. On May 27, it was passed by the lower house (National Assembly). 305 deputies supported him, 199 opposed him. However, in January 2026, the Senate rejected it by 181 votes to 122. The National Assembly passed the bill in the second reading on February 25, and on May 12, the upper house of Parliament voted against it again. After that, a joint commission was established, consisting of representatives of both houses of Parliament, who eventually could not reach an agreement on the final version of the document.

As a result, the bill on euthanasia was re-submitted to the National Assembly. On June 30, it was adopted by 295 votes in favor and 232 against. After today's vote, it will go back to the Senate for consideration, which is scheduled to begin on July 7. Since the upper house of the French parliament has already opposed this bill twice, it is expected that it will reject it for the third time.

According to Article 45 of the French Constitution, if the National Assembly and the Senate cannot agree on a single text of the law after several readings, the final decision can be submitted to the lower house of Parliament. Therefore, after consideration in the Senate, the bill may return to the National Assembly, where a final vote will be held on July 15. If the majority of deputies supports the bill, it will be considered adopted, despite the disagreement of the Senate. After that, there will be formal stages, such as the signing of the law by the president, its official publication and entry into force.

The issue of the right to death assistance in France has been hotly debated for several years. Among other things, President Emmanuel Macron supports the adoption of the law. He has been promoting the reform since 2022.

Working on objections

Although controversial issues related to incitement or offenses were eliminated during the readings, the text still raises objections among many. In particular, health workers, politicians, and human rights activists continue to oppose the bill and warn of the possible consequences it could lead to.

The main reasons why the document has been under review for so long are related to ethical issues. Opponents of the reform believe that the state should develop palliative care, rather than create a mechanism for medical death assistance. There are also concerns that even with strict regulation, abuse, pressure on seriously ill patients, or a gradual expansion of the criteria for admission to the procedure may occur.

Many opponents of the law refer to the medical staff and say that it is necessary to adopt not one, but two documents. The first is about euthanasia, the second is about palliative care. Former French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou is among those promoting this initiative.

What does the law on euthanasia in France suggest?

To be eligible for euthanasia, a patient must meet a number of conditions, including:

— at least 18 years of age;

— French citizenship. Foreign citizens will be able to access the procedure only upon presentation of documents confirming the legality of their residence in the country.;

— a serious and incurable life-threatening disease at a late or terminal stage;

— evidence of suffering that cannot be treated;

— the ability to express one's will freely and consciously.

It is also clarified that psychological suffering alone is not enough to receive help in death.

Medical workers who refuse to participate in the euthanasia procedure have the right to do so, but are required to refer the person to their colleague.

Which European countries have already legalized euthanasia?

Currently, active euthanasia is legalized in five European countries.

The Netherlands was the first country to allow this type of euthanasia. The relevant law came into force in 2002. Later, the right to this procedure extended to children and adolescents from the age of 12. Parents must give consent to euthanasia before the age of 16.

In 2002, euthanasia was also allowed in Belgium. A person over the age of 18 can undergo the procedure there, for this he must obtain the permission of a special commission. Euthanasia is covered by standard medical insurance.

Luxembourg joined these countries in 2009. In 2021 and 2023, euthanasia was allowed in Spain and Portugal, respectively.

In some other European countries, terminally ill people can take the necessary medications on their own, which are given to them by a doctor. Among them, for example, Switzerland (not only citizens, but also foreigners can resort to euthanasia, which is why the country has become one of the centers of such "tourism") and Austria.