Jersey lawmakers approve assisted dying bill

2026-02-26 - 13:28

Jersey is set to become the second part of the British Isles to legalise assisted dying, after lawmakers there approved Thursday legislation to allow it for some terminally ill people. The move on the Channel island follows a similar approval last year by the Isle of Man, another self-governing British dependency — though that legislation is still awaiting royal assent in London. The Jersey law passed in the island’s parliament by 32 votes to 16 and also requires royal assent. It will permit a person who has a terminal illness and is experiencing or expected to experience unbearable suffering to choose to end their life with the help of a medical professional. They must have been assessed by medical professionals and diagnosed with a physical condition expected to cause their death within six months, or 12 months if the condition involves degeneration of the nervous system. It comes amid an apparent setback in efforts to pass such a law in London which would apply in England and Wales. Sky News reported Thursday the UK government would not grant more time to debate landmark assisted dying legislation in the upper house of parliament, effectively ending its chances of becoming law. Scottish lawmakers also voted last year in favour of a bill that would legalise assisted dying, the first step there in what will be a protracted process to pass a law for Scotland. Those in Jersey seeking to undergo the procedure must have the capacity to make the decision, and it must be voluntary, clearly expressed, settled, and informed, according to the legislation. The Isle of Man passed its assisted dying legislation last March, but has been waiting 11 months for royal assent, amid reports the justice ministry in London has been fielding questions about its compliance with European rights laws. The ministry did not respond to a request of comment.