French National Assembly passes bills on palliative care and assisted suicide; French bishops and Catholic leaders voice strong opposition to end-of-life legislation.
Newsroom, May 30, 2025, Gaudium Press On May 28, 2025, the French National Assembly approved two distinct bills: one aimed at expanding palliative care, and another authorizing assisted suicide and euthanasia.
The palliative care bill passed unanimously with 560 votes, while the assisted suicide bill garnered 305 votes in favour and 199 against. Both are set to be reviewed by the Senate in the autumn, with Health Minister Catherine Vautrin expressing hope for their enactment before the 2027 presidential elections.
President Emmanuel Macron hailed the approval as a significant step, stating on X: “The path of fraternity I hoped for is gradually opening. With dignity and humanity.” However, critics argue that the legislation undermines human life.
Notably, the terms “euthanasia” and “assisted suicide” were omitted from the legislation, replaced by phrases like “aid in dying” and “self-administration” of lethal substances. Eligibility criteria include being a French adult suffering from a severe, incurable, and life-threatening illness causing unbearable physical or psychological suffering, with no possibility of relief. The request must be made voluntarily, evaluated by a medical team, and followed by a period of reflection.
A contentious aspect is the introduction of a “crime of obstructing assisted suicide,” punishable by up to two years in prison and a €30,000 fine for those attempting to prevent the act. Bruno Retailleau, acting Interior Minister and newly elected leader of the Republicans, criticized this provision, questioning whether society should penalize acts of compassion.
Opponents, including the Collectif Soins de Vie—a coalition of medical orders and scientific societies—warn that France is adopting one of the world’s most permissive end-of-life laws. They argue that the legislation introduces a new right extending beyond end-of-life situations.
Despite appeals from all French bishops in Île-de-France against this “anthropological rupture,” the majority of deputies proceeded with the vote. The French bishops contended that the law constitutes a crime against dignity, fraternity, and life.
Compiled by Adele Wong.
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