French parliament approves assisted dying bill after repeated rejections

France's National Assembly approved a bill on July 15, 2026 giving eligible adults the legal right to assisted dying. The vote was 291 in favour and 241 against.

To qualify, a person must be an adult French citizen or legal resident. They must have a serious illness that cannot be cured and will end their life. The illness must also cause constant physical or psychological suffering. Patients must be able to make a free and informed decision, and a doctor must confirm this on the day.

The Senate had rejected the bill three times before. France has argued about end-of-life care for many years. The Prime Minister has said he will ask the Constitutional Council to check parts of the bill before it becomes law.