The French Parliament consolidated, on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, the approval of a law that establishes the right to so-called “assisted death”. The measure allows patients with serious and incurable diseases to have access to a lethal medicine to end their own lives, following a set of strict rules. The proposal was ratified by the National Assembly with a tight result of 291 votes in favor and 241 against, marking the fulfillment of one of the main promises of President Emmanuel Macron’s second term. After the vote, Macron expressed that the promise made to French citizens had been fulfilled, praising parliamentarians for what he described as a “constructive and respectful debate”.

The new legislation imposes that only people of legal age, with incurable and potentially fatal illnesses, and who are able to express their wishes freely and consciously, will be able to request assisted death. Before granting, the request will be submitted for analysis by the responsible doctor, who will seek the opinion of other health professionals. The main rule stipulates that the patient himself must self-administer the lethal drug, with assistance from a doctor or nurse only being permitted in cases where there is physical incapacity for such a procedure.

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The legislative initiative generated controversy and divided public opinion in the country. While advocates argue that individuals in irreversible suffering should have the autonomy to decide about the end of their lives, critics, such as the French Episcopal Conference, express concern about the potential for abuse and pressure on terminally ill patients. The approval of this law comes months after the French Parliament expanded access to palliative care. Data from a French industry association indicate that around 500 people die every day in France without receiving this type of care, despite the need.

What does the term euthanasia really mean?

Euthanasia consists of the deliberate action of causing the death of a person suffering from a serious, incurable or terminal illness. The objective is to stop suffering considered unbearable, generally at the patient’s request, and involves the intervention of a healthcare professional. It is distinguished from assisted suicide by the way in which death is caused. In euthanasia, the final act is performed by another person, typically a doctor. In assisted suicide, the patient himself ingests the lethal substance, although he receives support to obtain the medication.

Nations that already allow the practice of euthanasia and assisted suicide

Regulations on euthanasia and assisted suicide vary considerably around the world, and legalization, when it occurs, is generally subject to very specific conditions. There are few countries where euthanasia is explicitly legalized. Among the nations that authorize euthanasia are:

• Netherlands;
• Belgium;
• Luxembourg;
• Spain;
• Canada;
• Colombia;
• New Zealand.

On the other hand, assisted suicide, which is a different modality from euthanasia, is permitted in Switzerland and, under certain conditions, in some states in the United States and Australia. With the recent approval of the new law, France joins the group of countries that allow assisted death, applying strict criteria.

Brazil’s position on euthanasia and assisted death

In Brazil, euthanasia remains prohibited and without specific regulation. The practice can be classified as homicide under the Penal Code, even when carried out at the patient’s request. Assisted suicide is also not permitted under Brazilian legislation. However, orthothanasia, which involves the suspension of treatments considered disproportionate or that only artificially prolong the lives of terminally ill patients, with a focus on maintaining palliative care, is authorized by the Federal Council of Medicine, as long as it respects ethical standards and the express wishes of the patient or their legal representatives.