Assisted dying proposals have been lodged in Jersey, making the Crown Dependency one step closer to a safe and compassionate assisted dying law. My Death, My Decision welcomes the proposals and looks forward to the fundamental debate on this vital issue.
The proposals include the right for people who are incurably suffering from a physical condition, or terminally ill, to have an assisted death. Terminally ill patients with six months left to live (or twelve months for neurodegenerative conditions) will have the right to an assisted death through ‘Route 1’, while those who suffering intolerably from an incurable condition will have access to ‘Route 2’ with additional safeguards.
In November 2021, in a landmark decision, The States Assembly of Jersey voted by 36 to 10 in support of the principle of legalising assisted dying for citizens of the island.
Jersey previously voted for a more inclusive approach which extends to the terminally ill as well as individuals with an incurable physical condition resulting in unbearable suffering. This was the result of the Citizens’ Jury which published its findings in September 2021, and showed that an overwhelming majority of 78% were in favour of changing the law.
Citizens Juries or Assemblies are used to engage citizens on a wide range of issues and can be used to inform Government policy and legislation. The Jury was selected at random and consisted of 23 residents who reflect the demographics of the island.
Depending on how votes proceed in the Isle of Man, Jersey could be the first jurisdiction in the British Isles to legalise assisted dying.
Trevor Moore, Chair of My Death, My Decision, said:
‘This news from Jersey is welcome indeed. My Death, My Decision has been supporting colleagues in the Assisted Dying Coalition, End of Life Choices Jersey, in their campaign, and our previous board member for religion gave evidence to the Citizens’ Jury that led to the parliamentary decision.
It is welcome that the proposed legislation in Jersey will extend to the unbearably suffering as well as the terminally ill. Recent research by members of our Clinical Advisory Group shows that over half of the assisted deaths of UK residents in Switzerland would not have been helped by a law limited to those with six months left to live – the restricted model that has been considered at Westminster to date.
We urge Westminster politicians to take note and respect the overwhelming public support in England and Wales for assisted dying reform. My Death, My Death will continue to call for a compassionate assisted dying law reflecting proposals similar to Jersey, giving choice, compassion and dignity to people suffering from conditions like Motor Neurone Disease and locked-in syndrome.’
Notes:
Members of the MDMD team, as well as individuals affected by the current law on assisted dying, are available for interview upon request
Media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033.
My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, we advocate for an evidence-based law that would balance individual choice alongside robust safeguards and finally give the people of England and Wales choice at the end of their lives.
