French MPs approve assisted dying law with strict rules after years of argument

French MPs have voted to legalise assisted dying under strict conditions, making France the latest European country to permit the practice after years of intense debate that exposed deep divisions in French society.

The law, which passed the National Assembly by a margin of 284 to 172, allows adults suffering from an incurable and life-threatening illness that causes unbearable and untreatable suffering to request medical assistance to end their lives. The request must be approved by two independent doctors, and there is a mandatory reflection period of at least two weeks.

The vote is the culmination of a campaign that has stretched over two decades and multiple governments. President Macron had made the legislation a priority of his second term, arguing that France's existing framework — which allowed deep sedation but not active assistance — created a cruel distinction that left some patients suffering without options.

Opposition came from a coalition of religious groups, palliative care professionals and some disability rights organisations, who argued that the law would create pressure on vulnerable people to end their lives and that France should invest more heavily in palliative care rather than facilitating death. The Catholic Church, which retains significant influence in France despite declining attendance, mounted a sustained campaign against the legislation.

The law includes safeguards that supporters say are among the strictest in the world: two independent medical assessments, a psychiatric evaluation if there is any question about the patient's capacity, and a requirement that the patient administer the lethal medication themselves unless physically unable to do so. It also mandates that every patient be offered palliative care before their request is considered.

France joins Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Canada, New Zealand and several Australian states in legalising some form of assisted dying. The law will take effect following a six-month implementation period.