Assisted dying proposals set for historic debate in Jersey’s States Assembly
Photocall: Tuesday 21st May at 9am outside the States Chamber, Royal Square, St Helier JE1 1DD
Supporters of the legalisation of assisted dying in Jersey, people whose loved ones have suffered under the current law, and representatives from Dignity in Dying will gather outside the States Chamber in St Helier on Tuesday 21st May 2024 before States Members debate the proposals for Jersey’s assisted dying law.
During Tuesday’s debate, States Members will vote on the detailed proposals which have been lodged in the Assembly over the last 9 weeks, voting separately on each paragraph in the proposition.
From 9am, photos and interviews will be available with Dignity in Dying’s Chief Executive Sarah Wootton and supporters willing to share their personal stories of how their lives have been affected by the current law. Photos from the demonstration will also be available on request.
States Assembly members voted by a landslide in 2021 to support the principle of legalising assisted dying – the first British Isles parliament to do so. This followed a citizen’s jury on the topic which overwhelmingly recommended legalisation. If the proposition is adopted following the debate this week, draft legislation will then be developed for debate by the end of 2025. More than 3,100 Jersey residents have signed an open letter calling for law change on assisted dying that urges States Members to press ahead with reform without further delay.
Jennifer Bridge MBE, former States Member and leader of Jersey Assisted Dying Action Group, said:
“The vast majority of the people in Jersey want to see the law changed. As States Members head into the debate, they should remember the wishes and stories of residents, many of whom will have seen loved ones suffer under the current law. On Tuesday I will be thinking of my friend Alain du Chemin, who spent his final months fighting for reform, knowing it would not come in time for him. Changing the law would be far safer, kinder and give dying people the choice and compassion they deserve. I would encourage those who support our cause to join us on Tuesday, to show States Members that this is a reform that Jersey is calling out for.”
Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of Dignity in Dying, said:
“Jersey is closer than ever to a change in the law that its people have been demanding for many years. Under a blanket ban on assisted dying terminally ill people suffer, leaving their families with awful memories of their final days. This is a chance for States Members to get this law right, and they should take note of the huge public support for change. Assisted dying is a movement whose time has come in Jersey.”
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For more information or interview requests, please email Molly Pike, Media and Campaigns Officer at Dignity in Dying, molly.pike@dignityindying.org.uk or call 07855209809.
