Archive · 19 Aug 2026
France Legalises Assisted Dying After Years Of Debate
France has made assisted dying legal after many years of discussion.
This means some very sick adults can choose to end their lives with medical help.
The person must have an incurable illness and unbearable pain.
A doctor and a special panel must check that the person meets the rules.
The person must be an adult and either a French national or a long-term resident.
There is a waiting period of at least two days after approval.
The person can change their mind at any time.
Doctors and some faith-based healthcare facilities may refuse to take part under a conscience clause.
France’s parliament passed the assisted-dying legislation in July after years of debate.
The law was published in the Official Journal on Wednesday after approval by the Constitutional Council.
Eligible adults must have an incurable disease causing unbearable pain and be French nationals or long-term residents.
Patients must receive medical approval and panel confirmation, then wait at least two days before proceeding.
Patients may self-administer the lethal substance, while medical professionals can assist those physically unable to do so.
- Who
- France’s parliament, President Emmanuel Macron, doctors, patients, and the Constitutional Council are involved.
- What
- France legalised assisted dying for eligible adults with incurable diseases causing unbearable pain.
- When
- The law was passed in July, upheld by the Constitutional Council last week, and published in the Official Journal on Wednesday.
- Where
- France.
- Why
- The legislation was intended to establish a legal framework and safeguards for people seeking to end their lives after years of debate.
Access and Legal Safeguards
Conscience and Institutional Protections
Purpose of the law
Access and Legal Safeguards
Macron’s office said the legislation completes an exemplary democratic debate and provides an essential safeguard for citizens.
Conscience and Institutional Protections
The Constitutional Council required clarification of some provisions while upholding the law.
Participation in assisted dying
Access and Legal Safeguards
Eligible patients can receive assistance, including from a medical professional when they cannot self-administer the substance.
Conscience and Institutional Protections
Medical professionals may refuse to participate, and faith-based facilities may also refuse when the practice conflicts with their mission, unless they are the only facilities meeting local needs.
- Eligibility
- Applicants must be adults, French nationals or long-term residents, and have an incurable disease causing unbearable pain.
- Approval process
- A doctor must verify eligibility and a panel must confirm that the criteria are met.
- Waiting period
- At least two days must pass after approval before assisted dying can take place.
- Administration
- Patients must self-administer the lethal substance unless they are physically unable to do so.
- Consent
- Patients may withdraw their consent at any time during the procedure.
- Conscience clause
- Medical professionals may refuse to participate; the provision also covers certain faith-based healthcare facilities.
- Political background
- The measure was promised by Emmanuel Macron during his 2022 re-election campaign.