French parliament passes law legalizing euthanasia

The façade of the French National Assembly. Photo: Depositphotos

On July 15, 2026, France’s National Assembly passed a bill legalizing euthanasia after two years of debate. The legislation was approved by 291 lawmakers, while 241 voted against it, Tribune Chrétienne reports.

The law introduces the concept of “assistance in dying” into French legislation and sets out the conditions under which a person may request help in ending their life. The measure will apply to patients who meet the medical criteria established by the law.

The bill’s authors present the measure as an expansion of patients’ rights and an opportunity for people suffering from serious illness to make their own decisions. Opponents argue that greater emphasis should instead be placed on developing palliative care and supporting the seriously ill, the elderly and people with disabilities.

The legislation has also sparked debate over the risk of pressure being placed on vulnerable patients, who may begin to see themselves as a burden on their relatives. Questions have also been raised about how the law will be implemented by medical institutions and what safeguards will be provided for doctors and patients.

Following the vote, representatives of the Catholic community called on the French bishops to formulate a clear position on the adopted legislation. Further procedures are expected to determine when and how the law will enter into force.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that religious hospitals in France could be required to provide euthanasia.

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