France Enacts Law Granting Incurably Ill Adults the Right to Aid in Dying

France enacted a law on 19 August 2026 granting incurably ill adults in unbearable pain the right to "aid in dying" — using a lethal substance, self-administered unless physically impossible. France previously allowed only passive euthanasia. Eligible patients must be adult nationals or long-term residents; a doctor and panel must approve, with a two-day waiting period. The Constitutional Council upheld the law with safeguards, including a conscience clause for pharmacists and faith-based facilities.