More debate after assisted dying law approved

Jersey politicians have approved principles that will allow assisted dying in Jersey.

On Wednesday, States members approved the draft law that would eventually enable people with a terminal illness who were experiencing incurable suffering to end their life with the help of a medical professional.

However, the Assisted Dying Review Panel called the law in, with members saying they needed to take a closer look at the details before the law was finalised.

Once the scrutiny panel's done this work, the assembly is expected to debate the law again on 24 February.

The law was approved with 32 votes for and 14 votes against.

This was similar to the result when the first details for an assisted dying law were green-lit in May 2024.

The vote also followed the approval of an end-of-life care law, passed on Tuesday, requiring the island's health minister to provide end-of-life care for the last 12 months of anyone's life.

Humanists UK chief executive Andrew Copson said: "This vote in favour of the draft law represents a historic moment for Jersey, and a huge step forward for compassion, dignity and choice at the end of life.

"'The proposals contain strong safeguards and reflect the clear wishes of the public, who have spoken through citizens' juries and repeated surveys.

"Today, members of the States Assembly have listened to those voices and are one step closer to bringing choice and compassion to those facing the hardest of circumstances."

On Sunday, Christian leaders led a prayer outside the States building.

Organisers of the Walk for Life said the prayer was attended by 200 people who were there to share their "great concern for the unintended consequences of the introduction of assisted dying, that has been expressed over the last few years".

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