Jersey votes to legalise assisted dying

The States Assembly of Jersey has voted to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill people. In a landmark vote, Jersey’s politicians have voted in favour of compassion, autonomy, and the rights of people who are dying. Humanists UK and Channel Islands Humanists have welcomed the historic vote.

A significant majority of 31 Assembly members vote in favour, with just 15 against, representing a shift towards a more humane approach to end-of-life care. The proposals will allow terminally ill adults with six months or fewer left to live the right to die. This will be extended to twelve months for people with neurodegenerative conditions. Individuals must be mentally competent throughout the process, and they must have a clear and settled wish to die. There will be strict safeguards to prevent abuse and ensure informed consent.

A majority of Jersey politicians however voted not to include people who are not terminally ill but are incurably suffering. Humanists UK and Channel Islands Humanists are disappointed with this, as it is out of step with Jersey’s citizens’ jury and the needs of some of those who are suffering the most.

Humanists UK has long advocated for the legalisation of assisted dying to include people who are suffering from a physical condition that cannot be cured, but aren’t necessarily going to die. Conditions like multiple sclerosis and locked-in syndrome aren’t necessarily terminal, but can cause a lot of pain and suffering. These people deserve the right to make their own choices about their lives, just as much as people with terminal conditions.

Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson gave oral evidence to the citizens’ jury. Today he said:

‘This is a momentous victory for human dignity and personal autonomy. Jersey’s politicians have shown great courage and compassion in their assisted dying vote. We hope this progressive move will inspire politicians across the UK to follow suit, recognising the right of individuals to make decisions about their own lives, free from unnecessary suffering.

‘This victory is however bittersweet. It lets down people who are suffering from incurable conditions, like multiple sclerosis, denying them the choice of an assisted death. These people in Jersey will continue to be denied their dignity.’

Jersey’s decision comes after extensive public consultation and debate, reflecting widespread public support for assisted dying. 78% of the panellists on a citizens’ jury recommended that assisted dying should be available for both terminally ill and incurably suffering adults. Surveys have consistently shown that a significant majority of people in Jersey, as well as in the wider UK, support the option of assisted dying for both groups.

Deputy Helen Miles, who scrutinised the citizens’ jury, said during the debate:

‘As a humanist I believe that any adult of sound mind who is intolerably suffering and has a clear and settled wish to die should have the option of an assisted death… It is unjust to force individuals to experience unbearable pain when other jurisdictions have shown that a compassionate option is available.’

Deputy Louise Doublet, who is also a patron of Humanists UK, said during the debate:

‘I am a humanist and people often ask what this means to me and it means that I have a deep concern for my fellow human beings; that means that I strive to live a full and meaningful life and I determine my own values based on reason and empathy. It also means that I am committed to helping others do the same. My humanist beliefs include that each individual human being has an absolute right to live by their own personal values and the freedom to make decisions about their own life, so long as this does not result in harm to others. 

‘Humanists feel a responsibility to their fellow humans and act not just in their own best interests but in the interests of wider society. Humanists UK and Channel Islands Humanists have been campaigning on this issue for that very reason and I thank them for the work that they do representing non-religious Islanders. I want to thank in particular Nathan Stilwell who has worked to represent Channel Islands Humanists – his compassion and expertise has I know been very welcome.’

Following this vote, the proposals will be turned into legislation, before a final vote on the law next year. If passed, there will be an 18-month period for the service to be set up. If there are no delays, the first assisted death in Jersey could be in 2027.

Humanists UK extends heartfelt thanks to all those who have campaigned tirelessly for this change, including End of Life Choices Jersey and members of Channel Islands Humanists.