Assisted dying proposals lodged by government

Amendments can be made between now and May

The Government of Jersey has lodged proposals detailing how an assisted dying service would work.

The proposals describe who would be eligible for the service and how eligibility would be assessed.

Only adults who have lived on the island for 12 months and who are terminally ill or have an incurable condition with unbearable suffering would be eligible, the proposals state.

If Assembly members approve the proposition on 21 May, work will then start on preparing a draft assisted dying law.

'Profound significance'

Amendments can be made between now and May.

If the proposals are voted through, it is expected the process for drafting a law could take about 18 months, with a debate then taking place by the end of 2025.

If a law was approved it is expected a further 18-month implementation period would begin, meaning the earliest for a law to come into effect would be spring or summer 2027.

Dr Nigel Minihane, from St Helier, who was a GP for more than 30 years and a former head of the island’s Primary Care Body, said the proposals held "profound significance".

He said: "Without affording our dying patients the option to determine the terms of their passing, we cannot claim to offer truly compassionate end-of-life care."

'Complex issue'

Jennifer Bridge MBE, leader of the Jersey Dignity in Dying Action Group, said the proposition could give dying people "the choice, compassion and protection they need".

The government said public briefing sessions would take place during the lodging period so islanders could find out more about how the proposed service would work.

There will also be separate briefing sessions for health and care professionals and dedicated sessions for disabled islanders.

Deputy Tom Binet, Minister for Health and Social Services, said: "Assisted dying is a complex issue which other jurisdictions are also actively working to consider.

"The proposals brought forward by the Council of Ministers are very comprehensive and will help ensure that our Assembly does justice to this important matter."

In November 2021, the States Assembly became the first parliament in the British Isles to decide "in principle" that assisted dying should be allowed.

Assisted dying involves allowing some terminally ill adults to end their lives with medical supervision.