International Legal Developments and Safeguard Comparisons
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.
France's assisted-dying law is operational, Jersey is developing implementation standards, and the Isle of Man and Northern Territory are advancing separate reforms. Illinois remains legally and operationally contested: provider opt-outs and referral arrangements demonstrate access challenges after commencement, while religious-liberty and disability-rights claims remain unresolved; New York's law is in force.