Care for islanders who are likely to die within one year will become a legal requirement in Jersey before the assisted dying law comes into full force, if a proposition lodged by the Health Minister is approved.
Deputy Tom Binet said the statutory duty to provide end-of-life care would provide a “counterbalance” to the proposed assisted dying legislation, which is due to be debated in January and could come into effect in 2027.
The Health Minister said: “It is an important principle that any person seeking an assisted death should be making a real choice.
“No person should choose an assisted death on the basis that they cannot access – or believe they cannot access – high quality end-of-life care services.”
Deputy Binet’s proposition would require the Health Minister to provide for end-of-life services in Jersey.
If approve, he would have to lodge the legislation necessary to give effect to that decision before the draft assisted dying law comes into full force.
No person should choose an assisted death on the basis that they cannot access – or believe they cannot access – high quality end-of-life care services
health minister tom binet
End-of-life care is palliative care provided to a person who is likely to die within one year.
Islanders at end-of-life are currently offered end-of-life care which can be provided in their own home, a residential home, the hospice, or the hospital.
Deputy Binet said: “Assuming the draft assisted dying law is adopted, assisted dying will be a choice that some people with a terminal illness may make because they want more control over the manner and timing of their death.
“Assisted dying will not, however, replace end-of-life care. All people approaching end of life need to be able to access the end-of-life care they need to maximise quality of life and minimise any suffering or distress.
“This will include people who have requested an assisted death. End-of-life care will continue to be provided to people who have requested an assisted death.”