Members of Parliament on the Channel Island of Jersey approved a law on Thursday creating a right to assisted dying for some terminally ill patients, at a time when the future of similar legislation for England and Wales appears to be in jeopardy at Westminster.
Jersey is following in the footsteps of the Isle of Man, which in March 2025 became the first British territory to legalize a form of assisted dying, authorizing assisted suicide for terminally ill individuals. This legislation, however, is still awaiting royal assent.
The Jersey parliament adopted the text by 32 votes to 16. It will also require the approval of Charles III.
The law will allow a person with a terminal illness who is suffering — or likely to suffer — unbearably, to choose to end their life with the help of a healthcare professional.
The individuals concerned must have been examined by healthcare professionals and have received a medical diagnosis indicating that their physical condition is likely to cause their death within six months, or within 12 months if their condition involves degeneration of the nervous system.
They must be able to make this decision, which must be voluntary, clearly expressed, final and informed.
This vote in Jersey comes at a time when similar legislation, which would apply in England and Wales, appears to be stalled in the Westminster parliament in London.
British MPs approved the legalization of assisted dying for certain terminally ill patients in November 2024 at first reading. But since then, the bill has struggled to make progress in parliament.
According to Sky News, the British government would not grant extra time to the Lords, the upper house of Parliament, to debate the legislation, thus casting serious doubt on its chances of being adopted.
Currently, assisted dying is illegal and carries a 14-year prison sentence for aiding or abetting in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
In Scotland, MPs adopted a bill to legalize assisted dying in May 2025 at first reading.
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