Summary
Jersey has passed a law allowing assisted dying for terminally ill adults, but similar bills in England and Wales remain blocked. Jersey's law lets doctors administer the lethal dose, while other regions in the UK require individuals to self-administer it. The law still needs final approval, known as Royal Assent, to become effective.
Key Facts
- Jersey's parliament passed a law allowing assisted dying.
- The law applies to terminally ill adults with a life expectancy of six months or, for some illnesses, 12 months.
- Doctors in Jersey can administer a lethal dose, unlike other UK areas where individuals must self-administer.
- The law needs Royal Assent, a formal approval process, to become official.
- Similar bills in England and Wales have not passed.
- Jersey and the Isle of Man have residency requirements for eligibility to prevent "death tourism."
- Jersey's law is similar to practices in countries like Spain, Canada, and Australia where doctors can administer the dose.
- The Isle of Man passed a similar bill but is also waiting for Royal Assent.
