U.S. News
Court Upholds New Jersey Limit on Assisted Suicide
Clear Facts
- The Third Circuit Court upheld New Jersey’s residency requirement for doctor-assisted suicide, blocking efforts to expand access to non-residents.
- Judge Stephanos Bibas ruled that protecting vulnerable patients and doctors, and avoiding conflicts with other states, justifies the restriction.
- New Jersey is among ten jurisdictions in the U.S. permitting assisted suicide for residents under Medical Aid In Dying laws.
An appeals court has rejected a push by assisted-suicide activists to allow non-residents access to New Jersey’s physician-assisted suicide law. The Third Circuit’s decision prevents activists from making the state a destination for those seeking to end their lives.
Judge Stephanos Bibas wrote, “New Jersey has sound reasons to limit this grave choice to its own residents.”
The lawsuit was filed by Compassion & Choices on behalf of Dr. Paul Bryman after a lower court dismissed their claims. The court affirmed that states have the right to regulate medical aid in dying under the U.S. federal system.
In Judge Bibas’ opinion, “Assisted suicide does not appear to be a fundamental privilege, let alone a fundamental right, that states must accord visitors.”
He added, “New Jersey has good reasons to limit it to New Jerseyans: protecting doctors from prosecution, preventing friction with other states, guarding patients from coercion, and ensuring decisions are rational and considered.”
Other states with such laws include California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia. Delaware is set to join them in 2026.
Opponents argue that removing residency rules could pose risks due to the proximity of neighboring states without similar laws. Critics highlight Canada’s broad assisted suicide measures as a warning, with 4.7% of Canadian deaths in 2023 involving physician assistance.
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