TL:DR – French National Assembly approves revised assisted dying bill on 4 February
• Emmanuel Macron pledged to introduce legislation on assisted dying upon re-election in 2022.
• The National Assembly’s social affairs committee approved a revised version of the bill on 4 February, after Senate rejection in late January.
• Critics argue the eligibility criteria for assisted dying are too broad and poorly defined.
• Olivier Falorni, the bill’s rapporteur, insists that psychological suffering alone does not qualify individuals for assisted dying.
• The bill requires applicants to meet five conditions, including suffering from a serious, incurable illness.
• The National Assembly plans another vote in February before resending the bill to the Senate.
France’s assisted dying bill: Claims vs facts
Upon his re-election as President of France in 2022, Emmanuel Macron pledged to introduce legislation on assisted dying. Since then, the proposed law has faced significant criticism regarding the conditions under which patients could qualify, with concerns about its potential implications for healthcare professionals who attempt to dissuade patients from seeking assisted dying.
The ongoing debate regarding the bill has intensified, particularly on the social media platform X. According to reports, some users claim that the legislation would permit individuals suffering from depression to access euthanasia, leading to fears about the law’s interpretation and impact.
Bill Approved by MPs with Revised Criteria
On 4 February, Members of Parliament (MPs) in the National Assembly’s social affairs committee approved a revised version of the bill after the Senate rejected it in late January. The framework remains similar to the version adopted by the National Assembly in May 2025, but it has undergone modifications, including changes to the wording of the eligibility criteria. The revised text states that a person may be eligible for assisted dying if they experience “constant physical or psychological suffering” linked to a condition that is either “resistant to treatment or considered unbearable by the person concerned.”
The explicit sentence that psychological suffering alone could not justify access to assistance in dying has been removed, prompting fears that the law could allow access for those suffering solely from mental health issues.
Experts Clarify Psychological Suffering Criteria
Experts assert that, in its current form, the bill specifies that psychological suffering must accompany a serious and incurable disease. Claire Fourcade, a palliative care physician, explained that while depression is a form of psychological suffering, the law requires the existence of a serious illness. She clarified, “There must be a serious and incurable disease,” indicating that conditions such as diabetes could also lead to psychological distress.
Olivier Falorni, the bill’s rapporteur, reiterated during a committee session, “The text does not open access to assisted dying for anyone presenting psychological suffering,” highlighting the importance of adhering to the bill’s language to avoid confusion.
Concerns about Complex Medical Situations
Despite some reassurances, experts have expressed lingering concerns about the law’s ability to address complex medical realities. Fourcade pointed out that patients diagnosed with advanced stages of cancer might experience severe psychological distress, potentially qualifying them for assisted dying even before receiving treatment.
French MPs emphasised that access to medically-assisted dying would require meeting all five conditions laid out in the bill. These include being at least 18 years old, having French nationality or legal residence, and suffering from a serious, incurable, and life-threatening illness at an advanced or terminal stage, alongside persistent physical or psychological suffering.
Ongoing Debate Before Final Passage
The contentious bill remains under discussion and is yet to become law, garnering diverse opinions across the political spectrum. Critics argue it could signify a significant shift in ethical norms. Théo Bernhardt, a National Rally MP, remarked on the potential for a “dangerous loss of balance” in addressing psychological suffering.
Olivier Falorni has indicated that work on this legislation has been ongoing for three years, stating that “haste” is not applicable to its handling. The National Assembly is set for another vote in February, after which the bill will be sent back to the Senate, which may amend or reject it. Regardless, the National Assembly retains the power to override the Senate if a consensus is not achieved.
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