French MPS approve assisted dying bill

France 24

by FRANCE24

February 26, 2026

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French MPs have approved a landmark bill legalizing assisted dying in France, marking a significant shift in the country's approach to end-of-life care. The measure, which allows terminally ill patients access to medical assistance in dying under strict conditions, has been a subject of intense debate for years. Advocates argue that it respects patient autonomy and dignity, while opponents raise ethical concerns about the sanctity of life. The bill now moves to the Senate for further review before potentially becoming law. The legislation reflects a broader cultural and legal evolution in France regarding medical ethics and end-of-life decisions. While assisted dying remains illegal under French law, practices such as physician-assisted suicide have been informally tolerated in certain cases. This new bill formalizes these practices, ensuring that terminally ill patients with less than six months to live can request life-ending medication if they meet specific criteria, including unbearable suffering

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Originally published on France 24 on 2/26/2026