French lawmakers have approved a landmark bill that creates a legal right to assisted dying for certain adults with incurable illnesses. The National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, passed the legislation on Wednesday after months of ethical and political debate. The bill received 291 votes in favour and 241 against. The decision marks a major shift in France's approach to end-of-life care and places the country alongside several European nations that already allow medically assisted dying under legal safeguards.

The new law allows eligible patients to receive a lethal substance if they request it. Patients can take the substance themselves. If they are physically unable to do so, a doctor or nurse can administer it. The legislation sets strict eligibility rules and limits access to a specific group of patients.

Only adults who are French citizens or legal residents in France can apply. They must have a serious and incurable illness that threatens their life and has reached an advanced or terminal stage. They must also experience constant physical or psychological suffering linked to their condition. The law requires every applicant to make a free and informed decision. Patients must also be capable of expressing that choice themselves.

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the vote and said the process respected public discussion and democratic values. "On ⁠this issue, which is as personal as it is serious, and which concerns life, suffering and dignity, there was only one possible approach: to take the time to listen, engage in dialogue and hold a debate," Macron said on X.

He added, "In 2022, I made a commitment to forge this path together with the French people. With seriousness, humility and full respect for our democracy, I have honoured that commitment."

Public opinion has largely supported legalising assisted dying in France. An Ifop poll released in February found that 84% of respondents approved of the proposed legislation. Supporters believe the law gives people facing unbearable suffering the right to decide how and when they want to end their lives. They also argue that the strict conditions protect patients while respecting personal choice.

Anne Raynaud, a representative of France's association for the right to die in dignity (ADMD), said the law offers relief to people facing severe suffering. "Can it still be called a life when the suffering is so great that you can no longer do anything?" she said.

She added, "People will be able to decide for themselves when and how they want to die once their suffering has become unbearable and can no longer be relieved."

The legislation has also faced strong opposition. Several medical professionals and religious groups argued that legalising assisted dying could place emotional pressure on vulnerable people. Critics believe some patients may feel forced to choose death instead of continuing treatment or care.

The Catholic Church strongly opposed the proposal throughout the debate. One bishop even threatened to deny communion to lawmakers who voted in support of the bill. Conservative leaders also criticised the legislation and urged lawmakers to reject it.

Former Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who is also a conservative presidential candidate, shared his opposition on X. "A society grounded in fraternity supports, ⁠protects, and cares for people. It never gives up on the most fragile among us," he said.

France now joins countries such as Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands, where different forms of assisted dying are already legal under specific legal frameworks. Several states in the United States also permit medically assisted dying for terminally ill patients under defined conditions.

The bill also introduces a detailed approval process. A patient must first submit a request to a doctor. The doctor then reviews the case with at least one other physician and another healthcare professional. The medical team checks whether the patient meets all the legal requirements before making a decision.

If the request receives approval, the patient must confirm the decision after a minimum two-day reflection period. This waiting period gives patients time to reconsider their choice before moving forward.

The law also protects healthcare workers who do not wish to take part in assisted dying. Doctors, nurses and other medical professionals can refuse to participate. However, they must provide patients with the names of healthcare professionals who are willing to assist under the law.

Although the National Assembly has given final approval, the legislation could still undergo review by France's Constitutional Council. The Senate, where the conservative right holds a majority, had voted against the proposal earlier. However, under the French legislative process, the lower house has the final say on the bill.

The passage of the legislation marks one of the most significant changes to France's healthcare and end-of-life policies in recent years. It follows years of public discussion over dignity, personal choice and medical ethics. Supporters see it as a step toward greater autonomy for terminally ill patients, while opponents continue to raise concerns about its long-term social impact and the protection of vulnerable people.