French court approves assisted dying law while blocking youth social media ban
France's Constitutional Council validated the assisted dying bill with conscience reserves while invalidating a social media ban for under-15s.
France's Constitutional Council has confirmed the constitutionality of a landmark bill legalizing assisted dying while rejecting a proposed nationwide ban on social media for children under 15.
The high court ruled that the legislature acted within its authority regarding end-of-life legislation. However, the decision attached three interpretation reserves, notably guaranteeing a conscience clause for private and religious healthcare facilities. President Emmanuel Macron praised the ruling, framing the legislative process as an "exemplary democratic debate."
In contrast, the Council invalidated the primary provision of a separate bill aiming to restrict social media access for minors under 15, determining that a broad prohibition constituted a disproportionate infringement on personal freedom. Additionally, the constitutional body approved key elements of an emergency agricultural measure.
Sources: La Tribune, Le Figaro, Le Monde, Libération, Politico Europe (Defense).
Sources
- Le Monde — Le Conseil constitutionnel valide la loi sur la fin de vie, les établissements catholiques obtiennent leur « clause de conscience »
- Politico Europe (Defense) — Le Conseil Constitutionnel censure la loi interdisant les réseaux sociaux aux mineurs
- La Tribune — Aide à mourir et loi d'urgence agricole : ce que le Conseil constitutionnel a validé
- Le Figaro — Le Conseil constitutionnel valide la loi sur l’aide à mourir et retoque l’interdiction des réseaux sociaux aux mineurs de moins de 15 ans
- Libération — Droit à l’aide à mourir : le Conseil constitutionnel valide l’intégralité de la loi avec trois réserves
Earlier coverage
- Oct 18, 2026, 08:00 AM UTCFrench high court approves end-of-life law while rejecting social media ban for minors
- Oct 18, 2026, 02:00 AM UTCFrench court approves assisted dying law while blocking social media ban for minors
- Oct 17, 2026, 08:00 PM UTCFrance's Constitutional Council approves assisted dying law and rejects youth social media ban
- Oct 17, 2026, 02:00 PM UTCFrance's Constitutional Council approves end-of-life bill while striking down youth social media ban
- Oct 17, 2026, 11:30 AM UTCFrench Constitutional Council validates assisted dying law while striking down youth social media ban
- Oct 17, 2026, 08:00 AM UTCFrance's Constitutional Council approves assisted dying law and rejects social media ban for minors
- Oct 17, 2026, 05:00 AM UTCFrench Constitutional Council approves end-of-life bill while rejecting youth social media ban
- Oct 17, 2026, 02:00 AM UTCFrance's Constitutional Council validates end-of-life law while striking down social media ban for minors
- Oct 16, 2026, 08:00 PM UTCFrench court validates assisted dying law while striking down social media ban for minors
- Oct 16, 2026, 06:00 PM UTCFrance's Constitutional Council clears assisted dying law while blocking youth social media ban