In a historic move, French lawmakers on Saturday, May 17th, took a decisive first step toward legalizing euthanasia, greenlighting a core provision that lays the groundwork for a “right to assisted dying.”
The measure, which passed with 75 votes in favor and 41 opposed, affirms that patients must be the ones to administer the life-ending medication themselves. Medical staff—doctors or nurses—can only step in if the individual physically can’t manage the act on their own.
This vote doesn’t seal the deal just yet, though. The full bill still awaits a final parliamentary vote, set for May 27th.
For months now, France has been locked in a passionate and often polarizing debate about the ethics and boundaries of assisted dying. Emotions have run high, with supporters hailing the bill as a step toward dignity and autonomy, while critics fear a slippery slope.
Still, this latest vote marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s long-standing discussion over end-of-life choices—a sign that momentum may be shifting toward legal change.
