French Patient Finds Relief in New Right-to-Die Law
France legalized assisted dying, eliminating patients' need to travel abroad for end-of-life options.
Event / Politics
France Assisted Dying Legalization
French Parliament adopted legislation legalizing assisted dying for adults with incurable, life-threatening conditions, pending Constitutional Council review.
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2026-08-15 to 2026-11-12 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 16 Jul, 14:32 UTC
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What happened
Charles Biétry planned to use assisted suicide in Switzerland
Charles Biétry, an 82-year-old journalist with ALS, had arranged to travel to Switzerland with his wife Monique and two children François and Juliette to access assisted suicide, as the procedure was not available in France. He had organized arrangements with his family to end his life before his condition progressed to a state of complete immobility on life support.
Charles Biétry diagnosed with ALS in 2023
Charles Biétry, former director of sports at Canal+ (1984-1998) and media figure, publicly revealed in 2023 that he was diagnosed with sclérose latérale amyotrophique (SLA), also known as Charcot's disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The incurable condition is characterized by progressive muscle paralysis.
Charles Biétry uses AI-generated voice to communicate
Charles Biétry, who lost the ability to speak due to ALS, now communicates using computer software and artificial intelligence that reconstructs his voice. He used this technology to give interviews and participate in podcasts, including recent appearances on Radio France and in a television program.
Charles Biétry expresses relief at passage of French assisted dying law
Charles Biétry posted on social media platform X that he would no longer need to travel to Switzerland for assisted suicide following parliament's adoption of the right-to-die legislation. He stated that he will now be able to exercise his right to die at home in Brittany. He expressed gratitude, saying the deputies had changed the course of his death.
French parliament adopts right-to-die legislation
The French Parliament definitively adopted a bill creating a legal right to assisted dying on July 15, 2026. The legislation permits access to assisted death for adults with incurable conditions that threaten their prognosis and who can express their will freely and clearly. The law must still be examined by the Constitutional Council before promulgation, with a decision expected by mid-August, followed by regulatory decrees to establish implementation procedures.
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