French Bishops Firmly Oppose Assisted Dying Bill Ahead of Senate Debate

French Bishops Reiterate Opposition to Assisted Dying Legislation

The Permanent Council of the Conference of Bishops of France has publicly voiced its strong opposition to the proposed end-of-life care legislation, which includes a 'right to assisted dying.' In a statement and opinion piece published on January 14 or 15, 2026, the bishops called for a profound reflection on the meaning of care, solidarity, and human dignity as the French Senate prepares to examine the bill.

Core Arguments Against the Bill

The bishops' statement, titled 'We do not care for life by giving death,' asserts that 'palliative care is the only right response to the trying situations of the end of life.' They argue that legalizing euthanasia or assisted suicide would 'profoundly change the nature of our social pact.' The prelates criticized the 'instrumentalization of essential concepts such as dignity, freedom, or fraternity,' stating that 'the dignity of a human person does not vary according to his or her state of health, autonomy or social utility; it is inherent in his humanity, to the end. It is inalienable.' They further clarified that fraternity, a core value of the French Republic, 'does not consist in hastening the death of those who suffer or in forcing caregivers to cause it, but on the contrary in never abandoning those who live through these difficult and painful moments.'

Legislative Context and Broader Concerns

The controversial bill, formally known as a law on the 'right to aid in dying,' was adopted by the National Assembly on May 27, 2025, with 305 votes in favor and 199 against. It is now under scrutiny in the Senate, with debates scheduled between January 20 and January 26, 2026, and a vote expected on January 28. President Emmanuel Macron has referred to the bill as a 'law of fraternity' and expressed his desire for its adoption.

A particularly contentious provision within the proposed legislation is the creation of a new offense of 'obstructing aid-in-dying.' This clause, which mirrors existing penalties for blocking access to abortion, could lead to up to two years in prison and a €30,000 fine for anyone who prevents or dissuades a patient from exercising the right to euthanasia. This has raised concerns among Catholic institutions, which fear being compelled to allow such practices on their premises against their ethical and religious principles.

Call for Enhanced Palliative Care

The bishops highlighted that current French law, including the Claeys-Leonetti law, already provides a humane framework for end-of-life care, allowing patients to refuse futile treatment and access palliative care, including deep and continuous sedation. They stressed the importance of strengthening the development of palliative care across the country, improving caregiver training, and supporting those facing difficult and painful moments, rather than offering death as a solution. On May 15, 2025, other religious leaders in France, including Jews, Muslims, Protestants, Orthodox, and Buddhists, also issued a joint statement opposing the proposal, denouncing 'serious abuses' and the 'radical shift' it would entail.