Jersey step closer to assisted dying reform as next phase of consultation begins

Today (Monday 17 October 2022) the next phase of the Government’s assisted dying consultation begins, bringing reform on the island a step closer. This follows a landslide vote in favour of change in the States Assembly last November and recommendations by a citizens’ jury last June. Jersey’s consultation comes after the Scottish government announced last Monday that an Assisted Dying Bill is to officially begin its journey in Holyrood, with a Private Member’s Bill expected to be introduced in the Isle of Man’s parliament in the coming months.

Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of Dignity in Dying, said:

“We welcome the second phase of Jersey’s consultation, which will enable us to champion and amplify the voices of terminally ill people and their loved ones in this important debate.

“What they tell us is that without the choice of assisted dying, they will suffer against their wishes or be forced to take matters into their own hands at home, behind closed doors, or abroad at eye-watering expense. They want access to a safe, legal option to shorten and ease the dying process alongside high-quality end-of-life care. This is what we strongly support in Jersey – a change clearly backed by the Jersey public and its politicians, which would provide far greater transparency, protection and choice than the status quo. Mounting evidence has proven that banning assisted dying is not only uncompassionate and unequal but unsafe, and any delay to reform presents a serious patient safety risk.

“Jersey is leading the way on end-of-life choice, with progress underway in Scotland and the Isle of Man, and the Republic of Ireland and France also due to debate and consult on assisted dying. Westminster must now follow Jersey’s lead and commit to listening to its dying citizens and giving this issue the time and respect it deserves in parliament.”

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 poll last June revealed – the highest public support for law change across the British Crown Dependencies (with the Isle of Man at 87% and Guernsey at 84%).

Jersey has undergone a lengthy process of deliberation and public engagement leading up to this stage: with the formation of a Citizens’ Jury who put forward recommendations for debate, the States Assembly then agreeing overwhelmingly with the principle of law change, and the public showing strong support and eagerness for reforms to be underway for its dying citizens. Following the second phase of the consultation and with input from stakeholders, States Members will hold another vote on the final proposals for law change in March 2023, after which if voted on, legislation will be drafted for a third and final debate in the States Assembly.

ENDS

For more information or interview requests, please contact Ellie Ball, Deputy Director of Communications at 07725 433 025 or ellie.ball@dignityindying.org.uk.