French MPs will once again consider the creation of a “right to die” law. The Assembly will revisit the issue on Monday, with a final vote scheduled for February 24th. This marks a significant step in the long process of this reform, which supporters hope to see completed before the summer break.
The discussion will focus on two proposed laws, one addressing palliative care and another, led by Modem group MP Olivier Falorni, focusing on end-of-life issues. On May 27, the latter passed a critical milestone, being widely adopted by 305 votes to 199 in the Palais Bourbon.
After being rejected by the Senate following chaotic debates, the text returns for a second reading in the Assembly, where it is expected to be re-adopted. However, this will not be the end of its legislative journey. If an agreement cannot be reached with the Senate, the government will have to give the final say to the Assembly if it seeks definitive adoption.
Following the second reading in both chambers, a mixed joint commission will be convened to reconcile their points of view. If this fails, there will be a new reading in both the Assembly and the Senate, culminating in a final vote.
Both Olivier Falorni and Assembly President Yaël Braun-Pivet hope for the adoption of the text before the summer break. However, the Senate may be reluctant to convene in July due to senatorial elections, presenting a challenge to the timeline.
An ex-minister believes there may not be enough time in the schedule for this issue, while Olivier Falorni remains confident that the necessary decisions will be made to ensure the text is voted on. He cautions against any attempts to delay the process.
During his New Year’s address on December 31st, Emmanuel Macron highlighted the end-of-life law as one of his top priorities for 2026, emphasizing his commitment to the issue since 2022. The Assembly will likely engage in familiar debates on this topic in the coming sessions.
The proposed law includes the creation of a “right to die” allowing a patient to self-administer a lethal substance or have it administered by a healthcare professional if they are unable to do so themselves. While Falorni praises the balance reached by lawmakers and the conditions for accessing the right to die, opponents argue that the criteria are not strict enough.
In an interview, LR MP Philippe Juvin raises concerns about the text, including the inclusion of patients not in the end stages of life, the doctor’s dual role as judge and party, shorter timelines compared to other countries, and the potential legal consequences for opposition.
The bill on palliative care is more widely accepted, although MPs may need to fight to reinstate the creation of an “enforceable right” to palliative care, which was initially approved but later removed by the Senate.
