French Deputies Re‑Approve Assisted‑Dying Bill, Set for Feb 16 Debate and Feb 24 Vote
Updated (2 articles)
Committee Re‑Approves Assisted‑Dying Text On 4 Feb 2026 the social affairs committee voted to re‑approve a “right to aid in dying,” using the same provisions adopted by the National Assembly in May 2025 after reviewing roughly 600 amendments in a single day [1]. The five cumulative eligibility criteria were kept, but the clause stating that “psychological suffering alone cannot qualify” was removed [1]. The procedure requires a patient’s request to a doctor, a collegial review by specialists and caregivers, and a final decision made by the requesting physician [1].
Senate Rejection Highlights Partisan Divide The Senate rejected the bill the previous week, reflecting a more conservative stance that contrasts with the Assembly’s consistent support [1]. President Emmanuel Macron, who launched the reform in 2022, has repeatedly said he wants the legislation finalized before the upcoming presidential election [1]. The Senate’s opposition underscores the political split over end‑of‑life policy in France [1].
Upcoming Plenary Schedule Targets Summer Adoption Assembly president Yaël Braun‑Pivet announced a plenary debate on 16 Feb and a solemn vote on 24 Feb, to be held alongside a consensual palliative‑care bill [1]. She expects the law to be adopted before summer, aiming to meet Macron’s timeline [1]. Work continues on administrative details, including lethal‑substance delivery mechanisms and a conscience‑clause for medical professionals [1].
Eligibility Criteria Remain With One Key Change The five eligibility conditions—terminal illness, unbearable suffering, patient’s request, doctor’s assessment, and collegial review—remain intact [1]. Deputy Olivier Falorni highlighted the removal of the psychological‑suffering‑only exclusion, a change that could broaden access for patients whose primary distress is mental [1]. Analysts note that this amendment may shift the ethical balance of the bill [1].
Timeline
1995 – The Northern Territory enacts the world’s first doctor‑assisted dying law, allowing terminally ill patients to request euthanasia under strict safeguards [1].
1997 – The Australian Parliament overturns the NT law after four terminally ill patients are lawfully assisted to die, demonstrating federal power to block territory reforms [1].
2022 – President Emmanuel Macron launches France’s assisted‑dying reform, pledging to pass the legislation before the next presidential election [2].
2024 – The Australian Capital Territory passes its voluntary euthanasia legislation, signaling renewed momentum for assisted‑dying reforms across the nation [1].
2025 – All six Australian states have enacted their own assisted‑dying laws, creating a nationwide framework that later enables territories to pursue similar reforms [1].
May 2025 – France’s National Assembly adopts a “right to aid in dying” bill, establishing five eligibility criteria and requiring a doctor‑initiated, collegial review process [2].
Sep 2025 – A Northern Territory parliamentary committee recommends adopting doctor‑assisted suicide and launching a public‑education campaign to address misinformation, especially in remote Indigenous communities [1].
Jan 2, 2026 – NT Attorney‑General Marie‑Clare Boothby announces that lawmakers will debate a new doctor‑assisted dying bill by mid‑2026, emphasizing a “careful, consultative approach” to balance patient rights with safeguards [1].
Feb 4, 2026 – The French Social Affairs Committee re‑approves the assisted‑dying law, keeping the May 2025 text after reviewing roughly 600 amendments in a single day [2].
Feb 4, 2026 – Deputy Olivier Falorni notes the committee’s removal of the clause that “psychological suffering alone cannot qualify,” marking a significant policy shift [2].
Feb 16, 2026 – The French National Assembly schedules a plenary debate on the assisted‑dying bill, moving the legislation toward final passage [2].
Feb 24, 2026 – A solemn vote on the assisted‑dying law is set for the Assembly, alongside a consensual palliative‑care bill, aiming for adoption before summer [2].
Mid‑2026 – The Northern Territory plans to hold its parliamentary debate on the new doctor‑assisted dying bill, finalizing the draft framework that seeks to respect Indigenous cultural diversity while providing end‑of‑life options [1].