- Jersey’s parliament has approved legislation to legalise assisted dying for certain terminally ill residents after a decisive 32–16 vote
- The island is set to become the second jurisdiction in the British Isles to pass such a law, following the Isle of Man
- The bill allows eligible adults diagnosed with a terminal physical illness to seek medical assistance to end their lives
Jersey is poised to become the second jurisdiction in the British Isles to legalise assisted dying after its parliament backed legislation on Thursday, February 26, permitting the practice for certain terminally ill patients.
The Channel Island’s decision follows a similar move by the Isle of Man last year. However, that legislation is still awaiting royal assent in London before it can take effect.
Lawmakers in Jersey approved the bill by 32 votes to 16. Like the Isle of Man’s law, it must also receive royal assent before being implemented.
Under the new law, a person who has a terminal illness and is experiencing or expected to experience unbearable suffering will be allowed to choose to end their life with the assistance of a medical professional.
The legislation stipulates that applicants must be assessed by qualified medical practitioners and diagnosed with a physical condition expected to lead to death within six months. In cases involving degeneration of the nervous system, the timeframe extends to 12 months.
The development comes as efforts to pass similar legislation in London, which would apply to England and Wales, appear to have stalled.
Sky News reported on Thursday, February 26, that the UK government would not allocate additional time for debate on a landmark assisted dying bill in the House of Lords, effectively ending its prospects of becoming law.
In Scotland, lawmakers last year voted in favour of progressing assisted dying legislation, the first stage in what is expected to be a lengthy legislative process.
According to the Jersey legislation, individuals seeking assisted dying must have the mental capacity to make the decision.
The request must be voluntary, clearly expressed, settled, and informed.
Meanwhile, the Isle of Man, which passed its assisted dying bill last March, has been waiting 11 months for royal assent.
Reports indicate that the UK justice ministry has been examining questions about the law’s compliance with European human rights standards.