Jersey approves assisted dying law

What’s Happening

Listen up: Once the law is given Royal Assent the first legal assisted deaths could happen as early as 2027.

Jersey approves assisted dying law 7 hours ago Save Ammar Ebrahim , Jersey political reporter , Fergus Walsh , Medical editor and Jake Wallace , Channel Islands Save BBC Assisted dying campaigners celebrated the decision outside the States Chamber in Jersey on Thursday A law to allow terminally ill adults the right to choose to end their own lives has been approved in Jersey. It marks the final legislative stage for the landmark proposals before they get Royal Assent in the UK - and once approved the first legal assisted deaths could happen as early as next summer. (shocking, we know)

Those eligible are people with terminal illnesses causing unbearable suffering where they are expected to die within six months, or 12 months for those with neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinsons and motor neurone disease (MND).

The Details

It means Jersey is now the second part of the British Isles where assisted dying has been fully approved - the Isle of Man was the first . Westminster and Scotland are debating assisted dying, with the draft law in England and Wales making slow progress in the House of Lords.

A UK government spokesperson dropped the length of processing time “depends on the complexities and sensitivities of a bill, as well as any legal and constitutional issues”. The various proposals across the UK have generated huge controversy, with passionate arguments for and against the changes.

Why This Matters

While Jersey passes its legislation, the bill for England and Wales remains blocked Both Crown dependencies have set residency requirements for eligibility - 12 months for Jersey and five years for the Isle of Man. Moment Jerseys assisted dying law is approved Thirty-two politicians voted in favour of the law with 16 voting against it. The bill will be sent for Royal Assent, which should be a formality.

Health experts are weighing in on what this means for people.

The Bottom Line

The bill will be sent for Royal Assent, which should be a formality. How could assisted dying laws change across the British Isles?

Is this a W or an L? You decide.