Press release
22nd May 2024

Victory for compassion as Jersey assisted dying proposals win key votes in historic debate

States Members vote to introduce assisted dying bill limited to terminally ill residents

States Members have today (Wednesday 22nd May) voted to introduce an assisted dying bill to Jersey’s States Assembly limited to terminally ill adults with mental capacity. States Members voted 32-14 to limit eligibility for assisted dying to those whose illness is expected to cause death within six months or within 12 months if diagnosed with a neurodegenerative condition. This proposal is similar to assisted dying laws in Australia, New Zealand and several US States, where only terminally ill adults with mental capacity are eligible for assisted dying. In the debate, many States Members shared their personal experience of loved ones suffering under the current law. Many paid tribute to Jersey people who have spoken out about the need for change, including Gary Burgess, a local journalist who died of brain cancer, Charlie Tostevin, who is living with motor neurone disease and Alain du Chemin, who had a brain tumour and spent his final months campaigning for reform. Deputy Catherine Curtis, a supporter of law change, mentioned that residents with personal experience of the current law who had written to her were 4:1 in favour of change. States Members voted 27-19 against extending eligibility to those who have been diagnosed with an incurable physical medical condition that is causing unbearable suffering that cannot be alleviated in a manner the person deems tolerable. States Members voted on the detailed proposals which have been lodged in the Assembly over the last 9 weeks, voting separately on each paragraph in the proposition. Draft legislation will now be developed for debate by the end of 2025. 61% of Jersey citizens support the legalisation of assisted dying, with 51% strongly in favour, according to new polling released this week. This follows States Members voting by a landslide in 2021 to support the principle of legalising assisted dying – the first British Isles parliament to do so. This came after a citizen’s jury on the topic which overwhelmingly recommended legalisation. 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:

“This is a historic day for Jersey. My dear friend Alain du Chemin spent his final months fighting for reform and he would be so proud to see States Members honouring his wishes today. I believe that the proposals States Members have voted for today will make up the right law for Jersey. Without offering our citizens this choice, many do suffer despite receiving excellent palliative care, some take their own lives and those with financial means may take the loneliest journey of their life and travel alone to Dignitas. I hope States Members will continue to give their support to this reform because the vast majority of us agree that an assisted dying law would be safer and kinder than the status quo.”

Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of Dignity in Dying, said:

“Today’s vote is a victory for compassion and common sense. We congratulate States Members for listening to the wishes of Jersey citizens and rejecting the assisted dying ban. They have recognised that doing nothing and maintaining the status quo is unconscionable. Terminal illness assisted dying laws are much safer than the current law, which forces those at the end of their lives to choose between facing painful deaths or taking their own lives. These laws do not expand, and palliative care often improves once they are implemented. Jersey is on the cusp of historic change to give dying people the choice and compassion that they are calling out for.”

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For more information or interview requests, please email Molly Pike, Senior Media and Campaigns Officer at Dignity in Dying, molly.pike@dignityindying.org.uk or call 07855209809