International Legal Developments (Canada, Germany, New York, Illinois, Isle of Man, Netherlands, France, Scandinavia, US expansion, New Zealand, Jersey, Northern Territory, Australia)
Key Questions
What is the status of Jersey's assisted dying law?
Jersey's assisted dying law has received Royal Assent, making it the first in the British Isles to legalize the practice with safeguards including a 6- or 12-month prognosis, capacity test, and residency requirement. Service implementation is expected late next year, though Care Not Killing plans a legal challenge.
What developments are occurring with the Isle of Man's assisted dying bill?
The bill, having cleared its final hurdle, faces renewed opposition from churches ahead of an August 13 deadline, with risk of falling if Royal Assent is not granted before elections. Health Minister Allinson has stated it is 'not a race,' and the 21 July Tynwald sitting remains a key deadline.
What issues are reported with Canada's MAiD laws?
Canada's MAiD laws face a 'collision course' as Parliament debates the 'reasonably foreseeable death' restriction, with a joint committee recommending an indefinite pause on expansion for mental illness. Reports highlight over 100,000 deaths in a decade, thousands of errors in B.C. cases, and a case of coercion involving a disabled man denied basic care.
What lawsuits have been filed against assisted dying laws in New York and Illinois?
Disability rights groups have filed lawsuits in New York and Illinois challenging the laws on ADA grounds, with additional federal suits from Catholic providers and nuns arguing narrow opt-out provisions force participation and violate religious liberty. Hearings are imminent before New York's August 5 effective date.
What recent change occurred in the Netherlands regarding child euthanasia?
The Netherlands confirmed its first euthanasia case for a child under 12 following the 2024 law change, with prosecution review underway. A new study shows euthanasia applications shifting beyond cancer, with autonomy becoming dominant and potential healthcare system pressures influencing requests.
What is the status of France's assisted dying bill?
France's lower house passed a Macron-backed assisted dying bill with strict safeguards on 15 July 2026 by 291-241 votes after Senate rejections, referring it to the Constitutional Council. Pope Leo XIV lobbied President Macron, citing Canada's high death rate as a cautionary example.
What data emerged from New Zealand on assisted deaths?
New Zealand reports a 48% surge in assisted deaths over three years, alongside ethnic disparities and declining doctor participation. This provides a comparator for policy debates in other jurisdictions including the UK.
What assisted dying legislation is advancing in Australia's Northern Territory?
The Northern Territory has introduced a new bill with a 12-month prognosis requirement and gag clause on doctor-initiated discussions, expected to pass in August with service rollout within 18 months. The Australian Labor Party conference also backed telehealth for assessments to improve rural access.
Jersey's assisted dying law has received Royal Assent, first in British Isles, with detailed safeguards; service could start late next year; Care Not Killing plans a legal challenge. The Isle of Man's bill is back in play after amendments, with churches opposing ahead of an August 13 deadline. Canada's MAiD laws face a 'collision course' over the 'reasonably foreseeable death' restriction; a joint committee recommended pausing mental illness expansion indefinitely. A new parliamentary report highlights over 100,000 deaths in a decade. An internal report reveals thousands of errors in B.C. MAiD cases (over half had errors). A harrowing Canadian case of coercion provides concrete evidence. Germany's 2020 Constitutional Court ruling emphasizes autonomy. New York and Illinois laws face disability rights lawsuits; two new federal lawsuits filed just before Aug 5 effective date (Catholic providers and disability rights groups). New York's MAiD law launches Aug 5 with equity concerns: costs ($600–$800 out of pocket), lack of insurance coverage, and racial distrust of healthcare; users overwhelmingly white and affluent. The Netherlands confirmed its first euthanasia for a child under 12. France's lower house passed a Macron-backed assisted dying bill on 15 July 2026, now before the Constitutional Council; Pope Leo XIV personally lobbied Macron. Scandinavian countries maintain stringent restrictions. New Zealand data shows a 48% surge in assisted deaths with ethnic disparities. The Northern Territory (Australia) has introduced a new assisted dying bill with 12-month prognosis and gag clause; guaranteed passage in August. Australian Labor Party conference passed motion supporting telehealth for VAD; AMA backed telehealth access.