Historic draft assisted dying legislation, put forward by the Council of Ministers in Jersey today, could see the first assisted death on the island in 2027. My Death, My Decision welcomes the final proposals of the Draft Assisted Dying (Jersey) Law, calling it a crucial step towards granting people control over their deaths.
The draft law is due to be debated by the States Assembly on 25 November 2025. If approved, the legislation would take effect after an 18-month implementation period, making the first assisted death in Jersey possible in summer 2027.
The draft Bill proposes that adults who are terminally ill, with six months or fewer left to live, or up to twelve months in cases of neurodegenerative conditions, may request an assisted death. Applicants must demonstrate mental capacity, a consistent and settled wish to die, and undergo a rigorous process.
In May 2024, the States Assembly voted 31 to 15 in favour of the detailed assisted dying proposals. However, politicians rejected extending eligibility to those who are not terminally ill but are incurably suffering. This decision came despite the fact that 78% of citizens’ jury members and repeated public surveys showed strong support for including both groups.
The lodging of the draft Bill follows years of public engagement and reflects widespread demand for reform, both in Jersey and across the wider UK.
Carmen Sumadiwiria of My Death, My Decision, said:
“Jersey is showing the courage and compassion that people across the UK have been calling for. This Bill has the potential to give dying people a real choice, one that respects their dignity, autonomy, and values at the most difficult time of their lives.”
“The safeguards proposed are robust and thorough. We urge the States Assembly to pass this Bill without delay, so that those at the end of life are finally given the right to choose a dignified death.”
Notes:
Members of the My Death, My Decision team, as well as individuals affected by the current law on assisted dying, are available for interview upon request
For further comment or information, media should contact Nathan Stilwell at nathan.stilwell@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07456200033. (media only)
Media can use the following press images and videos, as long as they are attributed to “My Death, My Decision”.
My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, we advocate for an evidence-based law that would balance individual choice alongside robust safeguards and finally give the people of England and Wales choice at the end of their lives.
