Jersey’s move towards the introduction of assisted dying has been maintained as the island’s States Members supported draft legislation giving people the right to end their lives in defined circumstances.
After around four hours of debate, politicians voted by 32 to 14 in support of the new law brought forward by Health Minister Tom Binet.
The result was almost identical to the result of the vote in May 2024, when Jersey’s politicians supported the principle of setting up an assisted-dying service by 31 votes to 15.
Jersey remains on track to become the first place in the British Isles to set up an assisted-dying service, but the law, which will apply to those diagnosed to be in the final year of their lives, is not yet certain to come into statute.
The debate was adjourned after the vote to allow time for a Scrutiny review to be completed – the final stage considering the details of the proposed law, which is likely to include several amendments, has been scheduled for the last week of February.
The Isle of Man and the UK have also made progress in plans to introduce assisted dying legislation, but efforts in Guernsey appear to have stalled after the island was the first jurisdiction in the British Isles to debate the matter.
Deputy Gavin St Pier had previously led efforts to try and win support for legalising assisted in 2018, but that was rejected 24-14.
Last year he told Express he has “largely drafted” the necessary paperwork to force a second States debate on legalising assisted dying, but he had put it on hold.
As a result of previous efforts to introduce assisted dying in the island, changes have instead been made to the way palliative care is managed.
The way Guernsey cares for people at the end of their lives is being re-examined, with a new partnership working on a long-term palliative care strategy.