Assisted dying remains a topic of significant variation across global jurisdictions. Around 400 million people currently reside in countries where some form of assisted dying has been legalized, with nations implementing these policies at different rates, particularly since 2015.
In the United States, 30 states plus Washington DC permit assisted dying. Oregon pioneered this approach in 1997 and has become a model for other US jurisdictions. Oregon restricts access to terminally ill, mentally competent adults expected to die within six months, with approval required from two physicians. Since its introduction, 5,520 people have received prescriptions for lethal medication, resulting in 3,691 deaths. A 2025 report indicated that among patients who used lethal medication, 61% had cancer, 14% had neurological conditions, and 11% had heart disease. Roughly 89% cited loss of autonomy as a key concern, while 65% mentioned loss of dignity and 47% cited loss of bodily control. Oregon requires self-administered medication and maintains a residency requirement that was later removed.
Canada introduced Medical Assistance in Dying (Maid) in 2016 initially for terminally ill patients, then expanded it in 2021 to include those experiencing unbearable suffering from irreversible illness or disability. Approximately one in every 20 deaths in Canada is now medically assisted. European countries with legalized assisted dying include Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, Austria, and France. Switzerland legalized assisted suicide in 1942 and permits foreigners to access services through organizations like Dignitas. The Netherlands and Belgium allow euthanasia and have extended eligibility to children. Spain permits physician-administered lethal doses, while Austria requires self-administration.
Within the British Isles, Jersey granted Royal Assent to assisted dying legislation in July, with services expected to commence late next year. Jersey’s law notably permits physician-administered intravenous lethal doses, distinguishing it from Westminster and Holyrood proposals, which require self-administration. The Isle of Man passed an assisted dying bill through its parliament in March last year but awaits Royal Assent as a UK Crown Dependency.
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