French Assembly passes new care law

On Thursday, October 29, 2026, the National Assembly in France approved a proposal for a law that would ensure full coverage of specialized care for victims of sexual violence by the Social Security system. The law was passed with 152 votes in favor, 5 against, and 110 abstentions.

Debate over legislative timing

The proposal, sponsored by the La France insoumise party, was debated for nearly three and a half hours in the hemicycle. Deputy Minister Camille Galliard-Minier criticized the timing, arguing that the new law was being introduced too soon after the passage of the "comprehensive law" against sexual and sexist violence against women and children.

Supporters argue for complementing existing law

Gabrielle Cathala, the rapporteur for La France insoumise, defended the new proposal, saying it "usefully complements" the comprehensive law. She noted that the comprehensive law, passed in mid-October, only provides full coverage of specialized care for minors, not all victims of sexual violence.

Political tensions over legislative direction

Stéphane Peu, president of the Democratic and Republican Left group, argued the new law is necessary due to concerns about the Senate's conservative stance and the uncertain fate of the comprehensive law. The debate also highlighted the abstention of La France insoumise on the comprehensive law, with Océane Godard (Socialists) challenging the group to explain how its new proposal goes further than the comprehensive law's 133 articles.

Criticism and accusations from opposition

Lionel Duparay (Republican Right) accused La France insoumise of conducting a "pure communication operation," claiming they were trying to "redeem its virginity." He called their approach "inept, dishonest, and pitiful." Deputies from the National Rally submitted numerous sub-amendments, leading to heated exchanges and accusations of "instrumentalizing victims for political purposes."

Next steps for the new proposal

The newly adopted proposal must now be included in the Senate's agenda, though it is not currently planned. The government has committed to having the comprehensive law examined by the upper house in January, with the aim of final adoption before the presidential election.