Jersey's parliament, the States Assembly, has passed its assisted dying bill after a final debate.
This will allow terminally ill adults with mental capacity to have an assisted death if they are expected to die within six months, or 12 months if they have a neurological condition like motor neurone disease.
The BBC reports that the bill's passage marks a significant development in the British Isles, where five parliaments have now weighed in on the issue of assisted dying.
Jersey's Legislation
Jersey's law differs from those proposed in Westminster and Holyrood, where the limit would be set at six months.
Individuals in Jersey will be able to choose to have a doctor administer a lethal dose intravenously, a method also used in Spain, Canada, New Zealand, and most of Australia.
This approach is in contrast to the laws proposed at Westminster, Holyrood, and Tynwald, which state that death must be by self-administration.
Implementation and Next Steps
Jersey's health minister, Tom Binet, told the BBC that the first assisted death on the island could happen in 18 months.
Binet expects between two and four deaths in the first year of the law's operation, with that number growing over time.
The Isle of Man, which passed its assisted dying bill 11 months ago, is also awaiting Royal Assent.
Other Parliaments
In Wales, the Senedd has approved assisted dying, dependent on the result of a bill currently going through the House of Lords at Westminster.
A private member's bill, introduced by Kim Leadbeater MP, would allow assisted dying in England and Wales, but its passage is uncertain due to over 1,200 amendments tabled in the Lords.
In Scotland, an assisted dying bill is awaiting a final debate and vote next month, introduced by Liam McArthur MSP.
