The island’s move towards the introduction of assisted dying has been maintained as States Members supported draft legislation giving islanders 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 Members supported the principle of setting up the 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.
After a total of 22 speeches on Tuesday afternoon, there were just three further contributions today prior to Deputy Binet rising to sum up.
Deputy David Warr said he felt there was too much doubt in relation to areas such as safeguards, financial responsibility and clinical safety.
A former Health Minister – Deputy Karen Wilson – said that while she respected the personal conviction of those favouring assisted dying, notably Deputy Binet, it was “not a substitute for operational readiness or ethical certainty”.
Many of those contributing earlier in the debate reminded their colleagues that the Assembly had already voted in favour, following an initial vote taken by the previous Assembly in November 2021, when a vote of 36-10 was recorded.
“Judging by the [lower] amount of correspondence we have received recently, it feels like the island has reached a settled decision and there is now less public interest,” said Deputy Jonathan Renouf.
Deputy Louise Doublet, chair of the Assisted Dying Review Panel, said a detailed report would be produced ahead of the matter returning to the Chamber for the sitting on 24 February.
The panel would be lodging a series of amendments to the detailed legislation ahead of next month’s debate, she added.
In a short speech at the conclusion of the debate, Deputy Binet said he would not be responding individually to the points made by Members.
However, he made one exception following a speech yesterday by Deputy Kirsten Morel spelling out a distressing experience with the health service leading up to the death of his mother last year, leaving him with strong reservations about whether the island was ready to bring in assisted dying.
Deputy Binet said he was genuinely sorry about Deputy Morel’s experience, but took issue with the picture of the health service.
He said he wanted to reassure islanders that Jersey’s health service was suitably equipped, and to acknowledge the excellent care provided by those working in the Health Department.