France enacts assisted dying law

France enacted on Tuesday (18 August 2026) a law that recognizes the right to aid in dying, allowing patients with serious and incurable illnesses to request the use of a lethal substance to end their own life. The law was signed by President Emmanuel Macron (Renaissance, center) and published in the country’s Official Gazette. Here’s the complete (PDF, in French – 213 kB).

The legislation represents a structural change in the French legal system on end of life. The Constitutional Council had validated the text on August 14, paving the way for promulgation. The norm amends the Public Health Code and formally includes the right to aid in dying among patients’ rights.

To access the procedure, the patient must meet 5 simultaneous requirements:

• be at least 18 years old;
• French citizen or regular and stable resident in the national territory;
• have a serious and incurable disease in an advanced or terminal phase, with a compromised vital prognosis and an irreversible worsening process;
• experiencing suffering linked to the disease that is refractory to treatments or considered unbearable by the patient himself, in cases where he chose not to start or interrupt treatment;
• be able to express your will in a free and informed way.

The law is explicit in prohibiting access to the procedure based exclusively on psychological suffering.

Procedure

The request must be presented in person to a practicing doctor with no family, emotional or interest ties to the patient. It is prohibited to request or confirm the order via teleconsultation.

After receiving the request, the doctor is obliged to inform the patient about their health status, the prospects for evolution, the palliative care available and the possibility of psychological support. The patient can withdraw the request at any time.

On the day of the procedure, the substance can be administered by the patient himself or, when he is not physically able to do so, by the accompanying doctor or nurse. The location can be the patient’s or a family member’s home, a healthcare establishment or any structure where healthcare professionals work.

The costs of the procedure will be covered by the public health system, without financial co-participation from the patient. The law also determines that life insurance covers deaths resulting from the procedure, including contracts already in force on the date the rule comes into force.