‘Unbearable Suffering’: Major European Power Votes to Legalize Assisted Dying

Across Europe, end-of-life legislation is rapidly evolving. As questions of dignity, autonomy, and medical ethics reach national parliaments, more countries are being forced to confront how — and when — citizens should be allowed to choose death on their own terms.

France has now entered that debate in earnest.

The National Assembly on Tuesday approved a bill that would legalize medically assisted dying for terminally ill adults facing extreme suffering. It’s the first time such legislation has cleared a full vote in France, and while it still needs Senate approval, the measure represents a major shift in national policy.

This major step toward legalizing euthanasia, after the National Assembly approved a bill, could allow terminally ill patients experiencing extreme suffering to choose medically assisted death.

The vote, held Tuesday evening, marks a turning point in the country’s long-running debate over end-of-life care.

The bill now heads to the Senate and could become law in 2026 — though major political, ethical, and procedural hurdles remain.

A Narrow Path to Assisted Dying

The measure passed with 305 votes in favor and 199 against. It applies only to adults suffering from serious or terminal illnesses in advanced stages, who are enduring “unbearable suffering” and are mentally capable of consenting to euthanasia up to the moment it is administered.

There is still a long way to go.

said French Health Minister Catherine Vautrin after the vote, calling for continued consensus-building.

The process will involve a panel of doctors reviewing each request within 15 days. If approved, patients must then wait two additional days before proceeding — and the entire process must be completed within three months.

While patients must administer the life-ending medication themselves, doctors are permitted to assist in cases where the patient is physically unable to do so.

Political and Ethical Divide

The proposal received support from the entire left and President Macron’s centrist coalition. Conservative lawmakers were split, as deputies were allowed to vote individually rather than along party lines.

Critics on the right argued the bill goes too far, while some euthanasia advocates said the legislation is overly restrictive, particularly because it excludes patients in comas or advanced Alzheimer’s who cannot give real-time consent — a contrast to other European models.

At the same time, the Assembly unanimously passed a separate bill guaranteeing access to palliative care, reinforcing the government’s dual commitment to both compassion and safeguards.

As reported by 20 Minutos, the French government described its approach as “strict, regulated, and French.” Supporters agree it’s not perfect — but consider it a long-overdue start.