French Senate Rejects Assisted Dying Law, Sends it Back to National Assembly

On January 28, 2026, the French Senate decisively rejected a proposed law that would establish a regulated framework for assisted dying, with a vote tally of 181 against to 122 in favor. This legislative setback followed intense and chaotic debates on end-of-life care, where senators firmly opposed any form of assisted suicide or euthanasia. The bill, originally introduced by Olivier Falorni, had previously garnered majority support in the National Assembly but was significantly weakened by Senate amendments, which stripped away much of its substantive content.

The Senate's rejection was heavily influenced by conservative senators, led by Bruno Retailleau, who emphasized a model focused on guaranteeing the "right to the best possible relief from pain and suffering" without endorsing interventions that could intentionally hasten death. Some left-wing senators voiced concerns about the amended text possibly conflicting with the existing Claeys-Leonetti law, which permits deep sedation until death for terminally ill patients.

Despite the Senate's refusal, the bill will return to the National Assembly for further consideration beginning February 16, 2026. Christine Bonfanti-Dossat, a Republican senator, acknowledged imperfections in the bill but argued for its adoption to avoid overly permissive practices while Olivier Falorni criticized the Senate's conservative stance as divergent from public expectations.

Laurent Panifous, Minister for Relations with Parliament, recognized the Senate made a difficult decision but affirmed that the legislative process remains ongoing with the National Assembly holding the ultimate authority. Yaël Braun-Pivet, President of the National Assembly, expressed optimism that the bill could be finally adopted before summer, as the parliament continues deliberations respecting diverse convictions.

If passed, this law would mark a significant societal reform fulfilling a key promise of President Emmanuel Macron’s second term, positioning France alongside countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada that have legislated assisted dying.

This development underscores the complex and deeply divisive nature of end-of-life legislation in France, reflecting broader ethical, political, and societal debates about autonomy and care at life’s end.