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Historic draft assisted dying legislation, put forward by the Council of Ministers in Jersey today, could see the first assisted death on the island in 2027. My Death, My Decision welcomes the final proposals of the Draft Assisted Dying (Jersey) Law, calling it a crucial step towards granting people control over their deaths.

The draft law is due to be debated by the States Assembly on 25 November 2025. If approved, the legislation would take effect after an 18-month implementation period, making the first assisted death in Jersey possible in summer 2027.

The draft Bill proposes that adults who are terminally ill, with six months or fewer left to live, or up to twelve months in cases of neurodegenerative conditions, may request an assisted death. Applicants must demonstrate mental capacity, a consistent and settled wish to die, and undergo a rigorous process.

In May 2024, the States Assembly voted 31 to 15 in favour of the detailed assisted dying proposals. However, politicians rejected extending eligibility to those who are not terminally ill but are incurably suffering. This decision came despite the fact that 78% of citizens’ jury members and repeated public surveys showed strong support for including both groups.

The lodging of the draft Bill follows years of public engagement and reflects widespread demand for reform, both in Jersey and across the wider UK.

Carmen Sumadiwiria of My Death, My Decision, said:

“Jersey is showing the courage and compassion that people across the UK have been calling for. This Bill has the potential to give dying people a real choice, one that respects their dignity, autonomy, and values at the most difficult time of their lives.”

“The safeguards proposed are robust and thorough. We urge the States Assembly to pass this Bill without delay, so that those at the end of life are finally given the right to choose a dignified death.”

Notes:

Members of the My Death, My Decision team, as well as individuals affected by the current law on assisted dying, are available for interview upon request

For further comment or information, media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033. (media only)

Media can use the following press images and videos, as long as they are attributed to “My Death, My Decision”.

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.

New extensive research from the Nuffield Trust shows that in jurisdictions where assisted dying is legal, ‘people can find the process reassuring and that it can give them a sense of control, even if they do not go on to have an assisted death.’

Humanists UK and My Death, My Decision welcome this extensive independent research, which adds to the growing body of evidence that suggests that assisted dying gives a compassionate choice to the terminally ill.

The research found:

• ‘Loss of ability to engage in meaningful activity and loss of autonomy are the most commonly reported reasons why people access assisted dying services.’
• ‘The evidence that was available suggested that people can find the process reassuring and that it can give them a sense of control, even if they do not go on to have an assisted death.’
• ‘Compared with other end-of-life experiences, carers involved in situations of hastened death less commonly report burden or physical exhaustion.’

The report also came with a warning to parliamentarians not to make the assisted dying process too difficult and prescriptive, and that legislation should aim to remove barriers to access. The report says: ‘A review of the assisted dying legislation in New Zealand found the level of operational prescription in its law to be unnecessary in primary legislation, and that it could have unintended impacts on how assisted dying is provided over time.’

Carmen Sumadiwiria, Director of My Death, My Decision, said:

‘We can take confidence from this report that many countries like ours have already introduced safe and workable assisted dying systems. We’re not starting from scratch, we can learn directly from our allies and neighbours. Victoria, Australia implemented its law in 18 months, and New Zealand did so in just 13 months during Covid. By contrast, our Government is allowing up to four years, and that is simply too long.

‘Put yourself in the shoes of a terminally ill person: knowing you can take control if your suffering becomes too much is worth every bit of the time and cost it takes to get this right. No one should be forced to die a painful, drawn-out death. The law must change.’

Assisted dying: not ‘straightforward’?

Much of the media attention around the report has focused on a quote from Nuffield that says ‘With assisted dying remaining a contested issue, and our health and care systems struggling under immense pressure, implementing a new service won’t be straightforward.’ The quote goes on to say ‘However, other countries provide valuable lessons which can help policy makers to make good choices as the Bills legalising assisted dying continue their parliamentary journeys.’ Some media appear to have taken the ‘won’t be straightforward’ part in isolation and made it sound like it might be too hard for us to bother with.

The report recognises that the NHS is already stretched and under pressure, and there needs to be sufficient time and money to implement assisted dying. But it also shows that so many countries similar to ours have implemented safe systems without substantial pressure on their healthcare systems.

The economic costs of implementing assisted dying will be tiny compared to the overall NHS budget. Regardless, the decision on whether to change the law should not be about economics, but on whether assisted dying is the right approach in principle.

Assisted dying laws do need to have enough time to be implemented. But every other country around the world that already has a law, has been able to implement it within 19 months. The only exception is Oregon, which took three years due to court challenges. The England and Wales Bill currently allows up to four years, with that having been raised from two during the Bill’s passage through the Commons. This seems to us to be too long. If it takes four years, people who need assisted deaths will suffer painfully while waiting for the Bill to come into force.

Notes:

For further comment or information, media should contact our Campaigns Manager Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033. (Media only)

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.

Humanists UK and My Death, My Decision are both members of the Assisted Dying Coalition, along with Friends at the End, Humanist Society Scotland, and End of Life Choices Jersey.

This should be the last rally this year. I know we’ve asked a lot of you this year, but we need your voice again.

I’m inviting you, and everyone you can bring, to join our rally outside ahead of the next debate in the House of Lords.

Friday 12 September

8:00am to 10:00am

Parliament Square

 

Why it matters:
For any other Bill, the House of Lords normally wouldn’t block it or alter it significantly. The role of the House of Lords is meant to be to tighten laws, making them work better and be more compassionate.

But this is different; some Lords have already said they want to throw the Bill out and stop it in its tracks. We need a strong presence outside parliament to tell them: We want an assisted dying law. 

What to expect:

• Banners, placards, and posters (feel free to bring your own homemade one!)
• Fellow campaigners, including those from Humanists UK
• Photography and filming to capture our collective voice

How you can help:

• Forward this email to your contacts
• Bring friends and family
• Share our message on social media

Two of Britain’s most admired actors, Dame Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan, have spoken out in support of the right to choose an assisted death.

In a recent interview with Saga Magazine, the stars of The Thursday Murder Club shared their heartfelt views on assisted dying, drawing on personal experiences of seeing loved ones suffer.

“I absolutely believe in assisted dying,” said Helen Mirren.

“So do I,” added Pierce Brosnan. “I’ve watched the suffering of dear ones. I think when my time comes, I’d like to be able to have the choice to say: ‘Okay, let’s have that cup of tea and say goodbye.’”

Mirren agreed: “Yes, in a warm and loving way. I do absolutely believe in that.”

Their comments echo the views of the overwhelming majority of the British public, who consistently say in polls that they support a change in the law to allow assisted dying. 

Graham Winyard, Director of My Death, My Decision, says:

“It’s powerful to see cultural icons like Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan adding their voices to this cause. They reflect what so many families across the UK feel – that compassion, dignity, and choice should guide our laws at the end of life. We want to thank them for their support on this important issue. ”

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, currently in the House of Lords, would legalise assisted dying for adults with six months left to live or fewer, subject to safeguards and a lengthy process. The next debate in the House of Lords, called Second Reading, will be Friday 12 September.

Notes:

Members of the MDMD team, as well as individuals affected by the current law on assisted dying, are available for interview upon request

For further comment or information, media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033.(media enquiries only)

Media can use the following press images and videos, as long as they are attributed to “My Death, My Decision”.

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.

The decision to provide assisted dying through the Welsh NHS will rest with the Senedd, Wales’ Health Secretary has confirmed, though services may still be available privately if the law changes.

Speaking to the Senedd’s Health and Social Care Committee on 16 July, Welsh Health Secretary Jeremy Miles clarified the Welsh Government’s role in implementing the proposed Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which would legalise assisted dying for mentally competent adults with a terminal illness and is currently progressing through Parliament and is due to be debated in the House of Lords on 12 September. If approved, it would become law in England and Wales.

Although the power to enact the Bill rests with Westminster, decisions about service provision in Wales, such as whether NHS Wales can offer assisted dying, fall within devolved health powers. As a result, the Welsh Government would only be able to implement assisted dying through the NHS if the Senedd agrees.

“If the [Welsh] Government wanted to [implement it], and the Senedd didn’t want to approve it – the Senedd would have that ability as well,” Mr Miles said.

Conservative MS Peter Fox, Chair of the Health Committee, sought clarity on whether assisted dying services could be offered through NHS Wales if ministers chose not to lay the necessary regulations.

“If they are not made by the Welsh Government and consequently approved by this Senedd, the NHS in Wales will not be able to provide assisted dying services – is that the case?”

“That is correct,” Mr Miles replied.

He also indicated that decisions about NHS provision would likely be made after the next Senedd election, scheduled for May 2026.

However, the Health Secretary suggested that even without NHS provision, assisted dying could become available in Wales through the private sector, as is the case in other jurisdictions around the world.

This distinction between the legal framework and public service provision has prompted renewed questions about how equitable access will be ensured across the UK. 

Graham Winyard, Director of My Death, My Decision, says:

“It would be deeply unjust for people in Wales to be denied access to assisted dying through the NHS while people in England are supported to die on their own terms. Without NHS provision, those who cannot afford private services ,or who are too unwell to travel, may be left without any meaningful choice at the end of life.

Right now, some people are forced to make the traumatic and expensive journey to Switzerland to have the dignified death they deserve. It would be no fairer and no less cruel if people in Wales were forced to travel across the border to England instead.

We hope that whoever is in Government in Wales after the May election will ensure that everyone facing a terminal illness, regardless of where they live or what they earn, is treated with the compassion, dignity, and respect they deserve.”

Before the election, Members of the Senedd will have a say on a Legislative Consent Motion (LCM), a formal vote used when Westminster legislates on devolved matters. Although not legally binding, such motions carry significant political weight under the Sewel Convention, which states that the UK Parliament will “not normally” legislate on devolved matters without consent.

Mr Miles confirmed that the outcome of this vote would influence the Welsh Government’s next steps.

The Senedd has previously voted against the principle of assisted dying — most recently in 2023, by 26 votes to 19, with 9 abstentions. A similar motion was rejected in 2014. However, the current Bill is more narrowly drawn, applying only to mentally competent adults with a terminal illness, and includes a clear legal framework and strict safeguards.

Notes:

Members of the MDMD team, as well as individuals affected by the current law on assisted dying, are available for interview upon request

For further comment or information, media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033.

Media can use the following press images and videos, as long as they are attributed to “My Death, My Decision”.

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.

[The deadline to apply for board positions is 21 September] 

My Death, My Decision is a grassroots movement that campaigns for assisted dying reform. We want a compassionate law on assisted dying that permits a medically assisted death to adults of sound mind who are suffering intolerably or terminally ill. We believe reform is necessary to reduce the suffering of individuals who are close to death, and, just as importantly, to give choice to those with physical, incurable conditions who face years of constant pain or suffering that they find unbearable.

My Death, My Decision has been at the forefront of supporting the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill while recognising that it does not fulfill all our goals. It has become increasingly clear that a long-term campaign will be necessary after the Bill is passed, both to ensure that the Bill is properly implemented and to engage with future reviews and consultations. 

We are seeking expressions of interest now so that we are well-placed to manage this change effectively.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people who share our passion for what should be a basic human right and are interested in active hands-on involvement in the campaign. In particular, we would like to attract people with the following experience and expertise:

• Chairing a charity or managing a small organisation.
• Public Affairs or Campaigning
• Medicine
• Fundraising or Marketing
• Policy or Legal
• Operations

We are an equal opportunities employer, proud of our diversity and Board gender balance. We remain committed to improving our diversity and therefore encourage applications from all members of the community.

Experience in charity governance would be welcome.

What will you be doing?

My Death, My Decision is a small grassroots organisation. Many people are often surprised to see how much work is carried out by so few staff members and that we are volunteer-led.

We are looking to recruit a working board, more than a governing board, meaning that the board will be expected to fulfil a hands-on volunteering role, with clear tasks and responsibilities, rather than the boards of larger organisations, which generally only advise and set the strategy. 

 The time commitment will be between 2 to 4 hours per week, depending on your expertise and what tasks you volunteer to support with. 

What difference will you make? 

This is an opportunity to effect real change and make a difference by achieving law change that will respect autonomy, ensure dignity and end unnecessary suffering for those at the most challenging times of their lives; and provide choice for those making critical decisions about their lives and how they might end. 

We are committed to an evidence-based law which balances individual choice alongside robust safeguards. You can be the dynamic motivator of the work of our members, supporters, patrons and activists as we help to enshrine the values of autonomy, dignity, and compassion into assisted dying legislation.

Next steps:

If you are interested in playing a role in one of the biggest campaigns in a generation please send a CV and a short introduction email explaining why you would like to join the board and what expertise you will bring to our grassroots organisation.

As you can imagine, we are in the busiest period our campaign has ever seen. We will endeavour to acknowledge receipt of all applications and will seek to host interviews on a rolling basis.

Please send applications to: simon.menneer@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk with the subject line: “Board Recruitment”. 

[The deadline to apply for board positions is 21 September] 

This is a critical turning point, as politicians continue to debate the Assisted Dying Bill.

Third Reading Rally

When: Friday 20 June, 9am–3pm
Where: Parliament Square, Westminster, London SW1P 3JX

On Friday 20 June, politicians will debate further changes to the Bill, and vote on the Bill as a whole. This means the Bill could pass on to the next stage, or fail entirely.

Join our rally:

Your presence is vital. But if you can’t make it, why not chip in for a placard?

The louder our presence, the harder we are to ignore. This is the time to act.

Please join us for as much time as you can—earlier in the morning is best. Help us show Parliament that no one should be forced to suffer at the end of their lives. Click here to share a message of support on X (Twitter).

What to expect

• Banners, placards, and posters will be available, but nothing beats a homemade and personal poster if you have the time.
• We expect to be standing alongside fellow assisted dying campaigners, Humanists UK.
• Photography and filming will take place throughout the rally to document our collective presence.​

How you can help

• Bring your friends and family. We need numbers!
• Forward this page to your contacts.
• Share our message on social media platforms.
• Let your MP know you will attend our rally and ask them if they will vote.

Today MPs debated the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill as part of Report Stage. They debated a series of amendments, and voted on two.

The changes to the Bill debated today were: ‘Obligations, duties and protections for medical practitioners, hospices and care homes; The procedure for receiving assistance under the Act including safeguards and protections; Eligibility and mental capacity.’

Amendment NC10 (widening opt-outs) was agreed to without a vote. Amendment (a) to NC10, which would essentially have allowed employers as a whole to opt their employees out regardless of the employees’ views, was defeated 279 to 243.

 

Claire Macdonald, Director of My Death, My Decision, said:

“Today’s debate shows just how important it is that we give people real choice and control at the end of their lives. No one should be forced to suffer against their will when they’re dying. We support this Bill because it’s about kindness, dignity, and making sure the law reflects the compassion most people already feel.”

MPs will return on 13 June to debate amendments on: ‘Approved substances and devices; Advertising; Inquests; investigations and death certification; Guidance and codes of practice; Welsh language; Monitoring, consultation and reviews; The Assisted Dying Commissioner; Implementation; Regulations; Extent; Commencement.’ Following this debate, they will vote on chosen amendments – including those from today that were not yet voted upon. It is unclear as to whether they will get through all votes on 13 June. If not, they will continue onto 20 June. After that, they will have Third Reading, where they will vote on the Bill again as a whole.

Notes

Members of the MDMD team, as well as individuals affected by the current law on assisted dying, are available for interview upon request

For further comment or information, media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033 (media only).

Media can use the following press images and videos, as long as they are attributed to “My Death, My Decision”.

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.

The Scottish Parliament has voted in favour of the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill. Members of the Assisted Dying Coalition have welcomed the vote.

MSPs voted 70 in favour, 56 against on Stage 1 of the Bill, which is about general principles. There will be another two rounds of voting and amendments before the Bill passes fully. No Assisted Dying Bill in Scotland has ever made it past Stage 1.

Emma Cooper, Convenor of Friends at the End, said:

‘Today is a landmark moment for compassion, dignity, and choice in Scotland. As someone who has seen firsthand the pain that can accompany the end of life, I know how vital it is that we give people the right to die on their own terms. This Bill is not about giving up, it’s about empowering those who are dying to have control, peace, and a say in their final days. While this is not yet law, passing Stage 1 means the Scottish Parliament now has the opportunity to consider amendments and work together to create the right legislation for Scotland. On behalf of Friends at the End, we welcome this historic step forward and stand with all those who have waited so long for this moment.’

Claire Macdonald, Director of My Death, My Decision, said:

‘Today’s decision is a monumental step forward for human rights and compassion. This victory demonstrates Scotland’s leadership in recognising the fundamental right of terminally ill individuals to make dignified and autonomous choices about their own deaths. No-one should be forced to suffer at the end of life, and this law ensures that terminally ill adults will now have greater control and peace of mind.’

Glasgow-based Kevan Donoghue died at age 64, 18 months after a shock diagnosis of a rare bile duct cancer. Suffering from constant pain, Kevin died after not eating or drinking for three weeks as a result of his illness. His wife, ex-nurse Patricia Donoghue, suffers from PTSD following her husband’s death. Commenting on the vote, Patricia Donoghue said:

‘I am relieved and pleased with this result. It is a significant step forward for supporters of this legislation. It won’t immediately change the law, but it indicates real backing in the Scottish Parliament to continue refining and debating the Bill. It is a major milestone as previous attempts in Scotland have failed. Scotland is moving towards legally assisted dying for terminally ill adults. The hard work continues.’

Introduced by Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur, the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill is a Private Member’s Bill. It will allow terminally ill adults in Scotland to lawfully request, and be provided with, assistance by health professionals to end their own life.

Westminster will debate amendments to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, which will apply to England and Wales, at Report Stage on Friday 16 May. Assisted dying legislation in the Isle of Man passed in March and is awaiting royal assent.

Humanists UK, My Death, My Decision, Humanist Society Scotland, and Friends at the End are all part of the Assisted Dying Coalition, a group of organisations across the UK and Crown Dependencies who campaign for a compassionate assisted dying law

Notes:

Members of the MDMD team, as well as individuals affected by the current law on assisted dying, are available for interview upon request

For further comment or information, media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033 (media only).

Media can use the following press images and videos, as long as they are attributed to “My Death, My Decision”.

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.