The Jersey Council of Ministers has formally lodged the Draft Assisted Dying (Jersey) Law, marking a major next step in the route to legalising assisted dying. The final vote on the Draft Law (as bills are called in Jersey) is expected in December. Channel Islands Humanists has welcomed the Draft Law and urges politicians to vote in favour of it.
The Draft Law 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. If approved, 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 summer 2027.
In May 2024, in a landmark vote, the States Assembly voted by a significant majority – 31 in favour, 15 against – to approve detailed proposals on assisted dying legislation. These detailed proposals have been turned into the Draft Law that has now come back before the Assembly.
Its publication in Jersey comes after extensive public consultation and debate, reflecting widespread 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 UK, support the option of assisted dying for both groups.
Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson gave oral evidence to the citizens’ jury. Today he said:
‘This Draft Law represents a historic moment for Jersey and a huge step forward for compassion, dignity, and choice at the end of life. For far too long, terminally ill people in the UK and Crown Dependencies have been denied the right to decide the manner and timing of their own deaths. Jersey is now on the cusp of changing that.
‘The proposals contain strong safeguards and reflect the clear wishes of the public, who have spoken through citizens’ juries and repeated surveys. We urge Members of the States Assembly to listen to that voice, vote in favour, and bring relief and dignity to those facing the hardest of circumstances.’
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For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Assisted Dying Campaigner Nathan Stilwell at nathan@humanists.uk or phone 07456200033 (media enquiries only).
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If you have been affected by the current assisted dying legislation, and want to use your story to support a change in the law, please email campaigns@humanists.uk.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 150,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.
Humanists UK is a member of the Assisted Dying Coalition, along with My Death, My Decision, Friends at the End, Humanist Society Scotland, and End of Life Choices Jersey.