Jersey is a step closer to assisted dying with the government today publishing the results of their consultation
Dying people in Jersey suffering despite good palliative care, consultation report finds
The Government of Jersey has today (Friday 28th April 2023) published the findings of a three-month public consultation on the legalisation of assisted dying. The Government outlined the next stages of the process, which will include an ethics review on proposals this summer before a debate in February 2024, with drafting of the law to begin the following month.
Assisted dying as a means of alleviating suffering was one of the most frequently raised themes in responses to the consultation, noted in nearly three quarters of all written responses in support of assisted dying. Many respondents shared their experiences of loved ones at the end life, witnessing pain and suffering, “even where their loved ones had good access to palliative care and support services.”
One respondent said:
“My Dad died of cancer 4 years ago at the Jersey Hospice, they were amazing but the pain relief given did not work towards the end and we saw my Dad distressed and in much pain, this no way to die, his death was not peaceful.”
The report follows a landslide vote in favour of change in the States Assembly in November 2021 and recommendations by a citizens’ jury in June 2021. Nine in 10 (90%) islanders support a change in the law to allow assisted dying as a choice for terminally ill, mentally competent adults, a 2021 poll revealed – the highest public support for law change across the British Crown Dependencies (with the Isle of Man at 87% and Guernsey at 84%).
Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of Dignity in Dying, said:
“We commend the Government of Jersey for producing a comprehensive report, which demonstrates that the debate on assisted dying is now focused on how to change the law, not if.
“Like other British Isles jurisdictions and close neighbours, Ireland and France, Jersey are getting on with it.
“Dignity in Dying urges the Government to put dying people and their loved ones at the heart of this process. They are the true experts in this debate.”
*ENDS*
For further information and interview requests with case studies and Dignity in Dying spokespeople, please contact Molly Pike, Media and Campaigns Officer at Dignity in Dying, on 07929 731181 or email: molly.pike@dignityindying.org.uk.
