Jersey yesterday placed itself at the forefront of one of the most profound moral debates of our time – and campaigners are now demanding the UK follows where the island has led.
Eyes around the world watched as Jersey’s States Assembly approved a law allowing terminally ill adults with mental capacity to choose an assisted death.
The final vote, after three days of detailed debate and amendments, means eligible islanders expected to die within six months – or 12 months in the case of neurological conditions such as motor neurone disease – will have the right to end their lives under strict safeguards.
The island’s law goes further than proposals at Westminster and Holyrood by allowing a doctor to administer a lethal dose intravenously – voluntary euthanasia – rather than insisting the patient self-administer, usually by swallowing medication.
That is the method used in more than a dozen US states and is the model proposed in England, Wales, Scotland and the Isle of Man.
During the debate this week, States Members also rejected an attempt to limit doctors’ powers to cases where a patient could not self-administer.
They also retained a waiver allowing a doctor to proceed – even if a previously approved patient has since lost capacity and may no longer be conscious.
Following the vote, Health Minister Tom Binet told Express: “I’m very happy with the quality of the law itself.
“I genuinely think it is the most comprehensive law that has been put in place anywhere. I am satisfied that the provisions are robust.”
He added: “I hope the UK is watching, because I genuinely believe the majority of people in the UK want this as well.
“I think those that are standing in the way of it will do well see what’s happened here in Jersey.”
“Will the terminally ill people of England and Wales be left behind?”
Campaigners echoed that call. Dave Sowry, of My Death My Decision, congratulated States Members for a debate “rooted in compassion and empathy” and contrasted it with events in Westminster – where a private member’s bill is facing more than 1,200 amendments in the House of Lords.
“I wish we could say the same of the debate on assisted dying happening in Westminster, which is currently facing a filibuster by a small group of members of the House of Lords,” he said.
“The Tynwald in the Isle of Man voted in favour of assisted dying, now the States Assembly in Jersey has followed suit – will the terminally ill people of England and Wales be left behind?”
Linda Deverell, who has become a prominent campaigner for assisted dying in the 14 years since her partner chose to end his life in Belgium, described the situation in Westminster as “shocking” and “really sad”.
“We’ve got seven Lords who are holding it up, who have basically been filibustering the whole thing,” she explained.
“That’s their belief, and that’s fine, but to stop everyone else is not their choice. It is about choice at the end of the day – and no one is forcing this on anyone.”
“Other parliaments across the UK could learn from Jersey”
Fran Hall, campaign manager for Dignity in Dying, who travelled to the island for the vote yesterday, said Jersey had succeeded where Westminster had repeatedly failed.
“This is detailed and robust legislation,” she said shortly after the vote. “There are a huge amount of safeguards and protections in there.”
Fran praised the island’s politicians for a “hugely thorough, detailed and really respectful debate”.
“I commend States Members for taking the issue really seriously and really thoughtfully and considerately,” she said.
“I think other parliaments across the UK could learn from the way Jersey has conducted this by consulting with locals and islanders throughout the process.”