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euronews
France upholds assisted dying law, strikes under 15s social media ban
France's top constitutional authority approved the right to assisted dying, marking a significant social reform, while it halted an age-based social media ban for younger users. The ruling allows adults with unbearable pain to opt for assisted death, joining a small group of countries that have legalized this practice. However, the rejection of the social media ban is a setback for President Macron, who had aimed to protect children from online harms. The government plans to draft a revised law that aligns with the council's concerns about infringements on freedom of expression.
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Published 14 Aug 2026, 16:05 UTC3 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- Constitutional Council approved the assisted dying law effective immediately.
- Ban on social media for under-15s struck down over freedom of expression concerns.
- Assisted dying eligibility includes strict patient criteria.
- Macron's presidency faces challenges in implementing children protection laws.
- Government to draft a new proposal for social media regulations.
Interesting facts
- France now joins the Netherlands and Belgium in legalizing assisted dying.
- The decision reflects ongoing debates about healthcare professionals' participation in assisted dying.
- Concerns about an age-verification system’s privacy impact contributed to the social media ban's rejection.