Health minister proposes new end-of-life care law

Health Minister Tom Binet said no-one should choose an assisted death because they could not access high quality end-of-life care

A separate end-of-life care law should be presented before assisted dying legislation is debated, the health minister has said.

The States Assembly is due to debate the draft assisted dying law for Jersey in January.

Deputy Tom Binet has put forward a separate proposal for a new law for palliative care in the last 12 months of life.

He said no-one should choose an assisted death because they could not access high quality end-of-life care and all those who needed palliative care to minimise suffering should be allowed it.

Binet's proposed end-of-life care law includes a requirement for the health minister to make sure there is care provision for people who are likely to die within one year.

The proposal said this would ensure Jersey residents could access good quality end-of-life care.

The draft law to introduce assisted dying in Jersey is set to be debated on 20 January.

If it were to be approved, adults with a terminal illness and in unbearable suffering would be able to choose the manner of their death.