In recent years, there have been attempts to legalise assisted dying in different parts of the UK and the crown dependencies. Through this, we’ve been advocating for safeguards to protect you and ensure the highest standards of care for patients and service users. However, assisted dying is now only progressing in Jersey and the Isle of Man. 

Find out more about the situations in different parts of the UK below.

In 2024, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of life) Bill was introduced in the UK Parliament which would have legalised assisted dying in England and Wales. During the scrutiny of the Bill, we submitted written evidence to Parliamentarians and our General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger appeared before a House of Lords special select committee and a House of Commons committee.

The Bill didn’t pass because it ran out of time in the House of Lords. A new version was reintroduced, but was voted down in September 2026. There are currently no legislative proposals in Westminster to change the current law, which prevents assisted dying in England and Wales.

Assisted dying in Scotland

MSPs in the Scottish Parliament have also voted against legislation on assisted dying. This means that the current law, which prevents assisted dying in Scotland, remains in place. 

The Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill was considered by politicians at Holyrood. It included a key role for registered nurses and so we worked to ensure the proposals included the necessary safeguards to protect nurses and the nursing profession. 

We successfully influenced changes to the Bill to strengthen the protections for nursing staff. The Bill then fell during the final vote on 17 March 2026.

For more details, read our member news.

Assisted dying on the Isle of Man

A framework for assisted dying was agreed in the Isle of Man’s parliament in March 2025 but it hasn’t yet been granted Royal Assent. If the bill receives Royal Assent, assisted dying could become legal on the Isle of Man in the next couple of years.

The agreed framework includes the below: 

• The person would need to have lived on the Isle of Man for at least 5 years.  
• A registered nurse could provide the eligible person with the approved substance to take to end their life.  

Assisted dying in Jersey

Jersey's law allowing terminally ill adults to choose an assisted death has been granted Royal Assent, paving the way for its implementation. It's expected that an assisted dying service could begin in late 2027.

Assisted dying on Guernsey and in Northern Ireland

Assisted dying is illegal and there is no current bill that covers Guernsey or Northern Ireland.

This is a very emotive question that can make you feel uncomfortable. It is important to understand why a patient is asking this question. Begin by listening with empathy and without judgment. Explore the patient’s concerns—whether they relate to pain, fear, loss of dignity, or emotional distress.

Do not offer advice or take any action that could be construed as assisting suicide, which is a criminal offence under the Suicide Act 1961. Instead, reassure the patient that their concerns are being taken seriously and refer them to the palliative care or mental health team for further support.

No. It is not illegal to discuss a patient’s fears or concerns about dying. Open and honest communication is essential in providing person-centred, holistic care. However, encouraging, facilitating, or promoting assisted dying is illegal. Ensure that any discussion stays within the bounds of ethical and legal practice.

They may have concerns or fears about the dying process and use this as a way to seek support and clarity. In this situation, it is important to ask open-ended questions to further explore their feelings.

Questions such as “Can you tell me more about how you're feeling?” can help determine whether the patient is experiencing psychological distress, inadequate symptom control, or a deeper existential crisis. It is important to listen and allow them space to share these concerns with you.

No. Referring a patient to an assisted dying organisation could be legally interpreted as assisting suicide. Instead, focus on exploring their concerns and ensure they have access to specialist palliative care services, psychological support and spiritual care.

It is essential to document a summary of the conversations you have had with the patient about assisted dying. This should include key points of the conversation, including what the patient said, how you responded, any concerns identified, and referrals made.

Avoid speculation and record facts to protect both the patient and your professional integrity. Ensure documentation is objective and factual and meets the standards required by your governing body.

Yes, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code of Conduct (2018) requires you to prioritise patient well-being, work within legal boundaries, and provide compassionate care. It is your responsibility to work within the Code of Conduct and ensure that you are addressing all domains: 

• Prioritise people 
• Practise effectively 
• Preserve safety 
• Promote professionalism and trust 

Nurses must work within the law, uphold public trust, and support patients through compassionate, ethical care.

No. As with any other aspect of care delivery, the nurse's role is to advocate for the patient while remaining professionally neutral. Any discussions regarding assisted dying must remain neutral and professional, centred on the patient’s needs rather than your personal beliefs.

Expressing personal opinions may influence or distress patients and is considered a breach of professional boundaries. Focus on the patient’s concerns and offer support within the legal framework.

Caring for patients with end-of-life concerns can be emotionally challenging. It is important to take time to recognise the impact this can have on your own emotional well-being. A variety of resources are available to support your well-being, including:

• Peer support through team debriefs or reflective practice
• Clinical supervision for guided reflection
• Restorative supervision with professional nurse advocates in your area of practice
• Employee Wellbeing Services
• Educational support through the RCN, Hospice UK, and local palliative care networks
• >Accessing psychological support from your GP
• NHS Talking Therapy services
• Staff health and wellbeing Northern Ireland
• Nurse Lifeline: 0808 801 0455
• NHS England staff support helpline: text FRONTLINE 85258
• Breathing Space Scotland: 0800 83 85 87

Repetition may indicate unresolved suffering, loneliness, or a sense of hopelessness. Continue to respond with empathy, involve the multidisciplinary team, and assess for reversible causes such as pain, depression, or spiritual distress. Ongoing support and a coordinated care approach are key. It is important to ensure you acknowledge this distress and do not dismiss them.

The most essential skill in these situations is your communication skills. The aim of these conversations is not to provide solutions but to acknowledge and listen to their concerns and distress. There are a range of communication skills and palliative care training available. You can access this in a variety of ways:

• Enrol in palliative care and communication skills courses In your local area
• Enrol in online End of Life Care for All (e-ELCA), which is available from eLearning for health
• Enrol in communication skills courses within your local areas such as Sage and Thyme
• Access resources from the NHS, Hospice UK, NICE guidelines, and RCN
• Reflect regularly on their practice with trusted mentors or supervisors