Federal Court Rules New Jersey's Assisted Death Law Excludes Non-Residents

Thu Dec 11 2025 07:53:47 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A federal appeals court upheld New Jersey's assisted suicide law, emphasizing its residency requirement amid ongoing debates about end-of-life decisions.

The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed that only New Jersey residents can request physician-assisted suicide under the state's law, which advocates argue is crucial for terminally ill patients seeking a dignified exit. The case was notably impacted by the tragic passing of a key challenger during the proceedings, highlighting the urgency surrounding such legislation.

A federal appeals court has confirmed that New Jersey's law allowing terminally ill patients to seek life-ending treatment is exclusive to state residents. The ruling by the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals came after a case involving a Delaware woman who was battling terminal cancer and challenged the residency requirement but sadly passed away before the case was resolved.

In its ruling, the court recognized the complexities surrounding end-of-life decisions but maintained that New Jersey's legislation can only empower its own residents to make such choices. Judge Stephanos Bibas emphasized the seriousness of the situation for many patients facing imminent death, stating: New Jersey lets its residents make that choice—but only its residents.

Currently, assisted suicide is legal in New Jersey, the District of Columbia, and ten other states, each with its unique regulations. The court's decision reinforces that states possess the autonomy to regulate such sensitive matters as they see fit. For instance, while states like Oregon and Vermont allow anyone to access assisted suicide, others adhere to stricter residency criteria.

The case was notable for involving a medical professional who sought to assist patients in similar circumstances. Challenges against the New Jersey law have included testimonies from multiple advocates and patients, though the court ultimately found the legislation's limitations on residency constitutionally permissible. Governor Phil Murphy, who enacted the law in 2019, expressed his personal wariness regarding assisted suicide while upholding citizens' rights to choose.

The decision has sparked further discourse on the topic of assisted death across the nation as states continue to evolve their policies regarding this emotional and complex issue.