Jersey Approves Historic Bill to Legalise Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults
Jersey's parliament, the States Assembly, has given final approval to a landmark bill that will legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults residing on the island. In a decisive vote on Thursday, members supported the legislation by 32 to 16, marking a significant step towards providing compassionate end-of-life options. The bill must now receive royal assent before it can become law, a process typically taking between three and six months.
Key Provisions and Eligibility Criteria
Under the newly approved legislation, mentally competent adults diagnosed with a terminal illness and who have been residents of Jersey for at least 12 months will be eligible to opt for an assisted death. The law is designed to be one of the safest and most transparent in the world, according to Jersey's Minister for Health and Social Services, Tom Binet. An assisted dying service is expected to take approximately 18 months to establish once royal assent is granted.
Public Support and Historical Context
Public backing for this move has been strong, with a 2024 poll showing 61% of Jersey residents in favour of legalisation. This follows a 2021 citizens' jury recommendation that assisted dying be permitted under specified circumstances. Louise Doublet, a States Assembly member, described the bill as a "compassionate gift" for the island, emphasising its role in alleviating suffering during difficult end-of-life moments.
Contrasts with Delays in the UK and Isle of Man
While Jersey progresses, similar efforts in England, Wales, and the Isle of Man face obstacles. In England and Wales, a private member's bill introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater in October 2024 is under scrutiny in the House of Lords, where over 1,000 amendments have been proposed, raising concerns about potential obstruction. The bill, which would allow adults with a prognosis of six months or fewer to live to access assisted dying, must pass both Houses of Parliament by early May to become law.
In Wales, the Senedd recently voted in favour of making assisted dying services available on the Welsh NHS if Leadbeater's bill succeeds, avoiding reliance on private provision. Meanwhile, the Isle of Man, which became the first place in the British Isles to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill people in March of last year, has yet to receive royal assent after 337 days, a delay that has prompted questions from local parliamentarians.
Constitutional Implications and Future Outlook
Jersey's Attorney General, Matthew Jowitt, expressed confidence that royal assent would be granted, warning of a "constitutional difficulty of some magnitude" if it were not. Alex Allinson, who brought the Isle of Man's bill, has written to Lord Chancellor David Lammy to inquire about the delay, highlighting the island's independent legislative authority. Humanists UK CEO Andrew Copson hailed Jersey's vote as a "historic moment" for compassion and dignity at the end of life.
As Jersey moves forward, the broader debate on assisted dying continues across the British Isles, with advocates pushing for consistent and timely implementation of laws that prioritise patient choice and safety.
