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Assisted Dying in France 
France has made history: on 15 July 2026 the National Assembly gave final approval to a law creating a legal right to “aid in dying” (aide à mourir), the culmination of years of debate.
Legal Status: Law Passed – Pending Constitutional Council Review
Parliament has adopted the End of Life Bill, with the National Assembly casting the deciding vote (291–241) on 15 July 2026 after the Senate rejected the text. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has referred the law to the Constitutional Council, whose review must be completed before it can be promulgated and come into force. Others acted similarly, such as Gérard Larcher president of the French Senate, and Mme Le Pen (Rassemblement national)
Key Legislation
Currently governed by the Claeys-Leonetti Law (2016) (deep sedation) until the new law takes effect. The newly adopted legislation is the “End of Life Law” (Projet de loi relatif à l’accompagnement des malades et de la fin de vie), passed by Parliament on 15 July 2026 and now before the Constitutional Council. Deep sedation will still be possible via the Palliative Care Law voted in May 2026.
Eligibility (Under the new law)
Adults who are French citizens or legal residents, suffering from an incurable, life-threatening illness in an advanced or terminal phase, experiencing constant physical or psychological suffering that is untreatable or unbearable, and capable of making a free and informed decision. Psychological suffering alone cannot under any circumstances make it possible to benefit from assisted dying.
Summary
France has completed a major societal shift. Since 2016, the country relied on the Claeys-Leonetti Law, which allows “deep and continuous sedation until death” but prohibits active assisted dying. In 2023, President Emmanuel Macron convened a Citizens’ Convention, which overwhelmingly recommended changing the law.
In May 2025, the National Assembly voted 305 to 199 to approve a bill legalising “aid in dying.” The Senate, where the conservative right holds a majority, rejected the text — but under the constitution the government allowed the National Assembly the final word. On 15 July 2026, the Assembly adopted the law by 291 votes to 241. Once cleared by the Constitutional Council, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, and Canada legalized assisted dying. As to Switzerland, assisted dying (called VAD) is possible since 1942.
Quick Overview
The “French Model” of End of Life
France’s approach attempts to balance strict ethical guidelines with personal autonomy. The proposed “French model” avoids the terms “Euthanasia” or “Assisted Suicide,” preferring the term “Aide à Mourir” (Aid in Dying).
The framework is distinct in that it prioritises self-administration as the standard method. Medical administration by a doctor or nurse is permitted only if the patient is physically unable to self-administer. A physician verifies the patient’s eligibility, a panel assesses the criteria, and the doctor makes the final decision. The patient may withdraw consent at any time.
Visit ADMD France (Federation Member)
for more info.
Visit Le Choix (Federation Member)
for more info.
Contact AAVIVRE (Federation Member)
for more info.
History and Legislation
France’s journey has been defined by a gradual movement from passive to active assistance.
Health Law (1951): The French health law says that every person has the right to refuse treatment. Article L1110-2 guarantees the right to dignity to patients.
Read the public health code (In French)
for more info.
Claeys-Leonetti Law (2016): This law granted patients the right to refuse treatment and established Deep and Continuous Sedation (SPC) for patients whose death is imminent and who are suffering uncontrollably. While a step forward, it was criticized for only addressing the very final hours of life, often leading to slow deaths by dehydration/starvation.
Read the Law (In French)
for more info.
Kouchner law (2002) : Established the rights of patients and regulates compensation for medical accidents, placing the patient at the center of the health system.
Leonetti law (2005): Regulated the end of life in France, prohibiting active euthanasia while allowing the limitation or cessation of treatments deemed disproportionate and guaranteeing palliative care.
Citizens’ Convention (2022-2023): To break the political deadlock, President Macron established a convention of 184 randomly selected citizens. In April 2023, 76% of them voted in favor of legalizing some form of active assistance in dying.
The 2025 Assembly Vote: Following the Convention’s report, the government introduced a bill that was debated intensely in the spring of 2025. On May 27, 2025, the National Assembly passed the bill. Key provisions included:
- Legalizing the prescription of end of life medication.
- A strict “pathway” involving palliative care checks.
- Exclusion of psychiatric illnesses.
Final Adoption (15 July 2026): After the Senate rejected the bill, the government invoked its constitutional right to give the National Assembly the final say. The Assembly adopted the law 291–241, with lawmakers applauding its author Olivier Falorni after years of parliamentary battle. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has referred the text to the Constitutional Council, whose binding review is the final step before promulgation.
Members
Our Members in France
We currently have 63 are members of the World Federation, with 2 based in France.
latest news
The latest news from our members and from around the world
Our members produce helpful factsheets and newsletters. The Federation is always happy to share other sources of information in favour of our joint mission to advance assisted dying around the world.
