Deputies on the social affairs commission approved, on February 4, the creation of a right to assisted dying, nearly identical to the version adopted in May 2025. Rejected by the Senate last week, this bill returns for second reading at the National Assembly, sparking intense debates on end-of-life issues.
The bill on the right to assisted dying, launched in 2022 by Emmanuel Macron, has faced a turbulent legislative path. Deputies adopted it in first reading in May 2025 by 305 votes to 199, but the more conservative Senate recently rejected it. On Wednesday, February 4, the National Assembly's social affairs commission approved a similar version, reviewing two-thirds of 600 amendments in one day.
Eligibility criteria remain unchanged: a serious and incurable condition in an advanced or terminal phase, causing constant physical or psychological suffering. The commission removed a clause explicitly excluding solely psychological suffering, arguing it was already implicit, per Olivier Falorni (MoDem), the bill's rapporteur.
The procedure involves a request to a doctor, who arranges a collegial assessment with at least one specialist and a caregiver, then decides alone. Assistance allows self-administration of a lethal substance or, if unable, by a doctor or nurse.
Opponents, such as Christophe Bentz (National Rally), decry a 'civilizational shift' and urge caution. Justine Gruet (Republicans) criticizes a rushed review. Falorni counters that the three-year process is balanced and unhurried.
The Assembly will debate the text on February 16, with a solemn vote on the 24th, alongside a palliative care bill. Yaël Braun-Pivet (Renaissance) hopes for definitive adoption before summer, despite a likely new Senate reading in spring.
