On January 21, 2025, Prime Minister François Bayrou proposed to divide the contentious end-of-life bill into two separate texts, one focusing on palliative care and the other on assistance in dying.

Braun-Pivet has emphasized the need for comprehensive legislation on end-of-life matters, urging the government to reintroduce the complete bill for discussion.

Concerns persist that separating the texts may lead to neglect of the aid in dying legislation, potentially appeasing religious representatives and opponents of euthanasia.

This decision has sparked concerns among supporters of assisted dying, who fear it may cater to opponents of euthanasia and assisted suicide, particularly from the political right.

Olivier Falorni, a deputy from Charente-Maritime and rapporteur of the draft law, has garnered significant support, with 250 deputies backing the original text that was interrupted by the Assembly's dissolution in mid-2024.

Despite strong backing from lawmakers, Bayrou has deferred the matter to Parliament's initiative, which has drawn criticism from National Assembly President Yaël Braun-Pivet for potentially sidelining the legislative process.

Political complexities surround this decision, with some members of Bayrou's government, including Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, expressing resistance to revisiting the aid in dying text.

Government spokesperson Sophie Primas defended the separation, arguing it respects individual freedoms and allows Parliament to vote on each issue distinctly.

Critics, including Falorni, argue that both palliative care and assistance in dying are complementary issues that should be addressed simultaneously to ensure meaningful progress.

Supporters of the split, including the French Society for Palliative Care, argue that separating the issues could expedite progress on palliative care, which has been hindered by its association with more divisive topics.

The initiative reflects a broader debate on end-of-life issues, highlighting the distinction between personal conscience regarding aid in dying and the societal duty to provide palliative care.

The original bill aimed to legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia under strict conditions while enhancing palliative care services, but its progress has been interrupted by political turmoil.