The draft law for Jersey's proposed assisted dying service - that could come in by 2027 - will be debated in November.
The draft legislation that will allow assisted dying in Jersey has been officially lodged today (2 September)
It is due to be debated by politicians on 25 November following a period of 12 weeks - double the minimum required - during which States Assembly members will fully consider the proposal.
If the draft law is approved by the Assembly, there will be a minimum 18-month implementation period before the law comes into effect.
During that time, an assisted dying service will be set up, including the training and registration of health and care professionals who will work for the service, and accessible public information on assisted dying will be developed.
Regulations will also be drawn up during the implementation period.
This means the island could see an assisted dying service in Jersey as early as 2027.
Humanists UK Chief Executive Andrew Copson, has welcomed the draft law, saying it represents a historic moment:
‘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.’
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.
READ: Assisted Dying: What happens next?
The service will only be available for people who are terminally ill (Route One), as States Members rejected Route Two, which would have given the same life-ending choice to those with an incurable physical medical condition that is causing unbearable suffering.
The public is invited to attend information sessions during the lodging period to find out more about the draft law and the proposed assisted dying service.
The first public information session will take place on Thursday 2 October at St Helier Town Hall, 6.30 – 8 pm.
There will also be separate briefing sessions for health and care professionals and dedicated information sessions for disabled islanders.
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