French Assembly Delays End-of-Life Vote as Deputies Broaden Assisted Dying Choices

Overview

• National Assembly President Yaël Braun-Pivet pushed the solemn vote to Wednesday, citing more than 200 amendments still to examine after extended second-reading debates.
• Lawmakers narrowly adopted amendments enshrining patient choice between assisted suicide and euthanasia and allowing administration by a clinician, moves set for a fresh vote before the final tally.
• Deputies removed the requirement of "constant" suffering and rejected several proposed safeguards, including mandatory psychiatric referral, a written request and explicit protections against outside pressure, with a clarification on psychological suffering due for reconsideration.
• The chamber approved a conscience clause for health professionals and created a new offense for obstructing access to the procedure, punishable by up to two years in prison and a €30,000 fine.
• Core eligibility criteria were reaffirmed: adults in France with an advanced, serious and incurable condition, experiencing refractory or unbearable physical or psychological suffering, and able to express a free and informed will; the text then returns to the Senate with a tight path to possible final adoption before summer.