The Assembly needs a professional committee meeting to evaluate patient help requests.

Strengthening the Procedure for Assistance in Dying

On  May 22, 2025 , the  National Assembly  reinforced the  collegial procedure  concerning requests for assistance in dying. The original version of the bill proposed by  Olivier Falorni  aimed to ensure that a doctor would verify the patient’s eligibility for this right and then collect “The written opinion” from another medical professional. However, a significant majority of  deputies  (112 against 61) believed that the process needed additional  supervision .

The revised procedure now requires a college, comprising at least the responsible physician, a specialist, and a caregiver involved in the patient’s treatment. This college must physically convene, or if that is impossible, meet remotely. They can also solicit advice from additional healthcare professionals if necessary. The decision on the request can only be made after this collegial procedure has taken place.

Emphasis on Collegiality

During discussions,  deputies  emphasized  collegiality  as a fundamental aspect of the legislation.  Yannick Monnet  from the  Democratic and Republican Left  termed it as “A central point” of the bill.

No Psychiatric Consultation Required

Critics of the revised bill, such as  Philippe Juvin  from the  Les Républicains , described the amendments as merely “cosmetic.” They sought additional  safeguards , including a stipulation that the decision must not solely rest with a physician but should be determined by the college. Their efforts to mandate physical meetings and require the specialist to examine the patient were ultimately unsuccessful. The current text allows specialists access to the patient’s  medical records , opting to examine them “unless deemed unnecessary.”

In subsequent discussions, the government attempted to introduce an amendment requiring a consultation with a  psychiatrist  or  neurologist  if the physician has significant doubts regarding the patient’s discernment. This amendment, however, did not pass.

Reevaluation Periods

As the day progressed, the  deputies  debated the provision allowing patients to choose the date, location, and individuals accompanying them during the administration of the lethal substance. An amendment was adopted mandating that the doctor must  reevaluate  the patient’s free and informed consent if the execution of the request occurs more than three months after the initial authorization—this is a reduction from one year in the prior version.

Debating the Location of Administration

The location for administering the lethal substance sparked considerable debate. Many deputies aimed to ensure that it should not occur in hospitals or nursing facilities, arguing that these places should remain sanctuaries of care.  Dominique Potier  from the  Socialist Party  described the shift as a significant transition, stating, “This place which was for life to the end will become the place where we receive death.”

Opponents argued against the idea of relocating patients, culminating in an amendment that restricts locations to avoid  public spaces  for performing the administration.

With voting set for the entire bill on  May 27 , it remains to be seen how these changes will impact the ongoing discussion surrounding  assisted dying legislation  in France.