French Lawmakers Approve Bill Establishing Right to Assisted Dying

A general view shows the hemicycle during the final reading debate before a vote on the bill establishing a right to medical aid in dying at the National Assembly in Paris, France, July 15, 2026. REUTERS/Abdul Saboor

PARIS, July 15, Saudi Arabia Breaking News — French lawmakers approved legislation on Wednesday establishing a legal right to assisted dying for adults with serious and incurable illnesses, concluding an intense ethical and political debate.

Under strict conditions, an eligible person who requests assisted dying would be permitted to receive a lethal substance.

The substance could be self-administered. If the patient is physically unable to take it independently, it could be administered by a doctor or nurse.

Eligibility will be limited to adults who are French citizens or legal residents of France.

Applicants must have a serious and incurable illness that is life-threatening and has reached an advanced or terminal stage.

They must also experience constant physical or psychological suffering directly associated with the condition and retain the ability to express a free and informed choice.