Jersey has today made history by becoming the first jurisdiction in the British Isles to legalise assisted dying, after its Assisted Dying Law received Royal Assent.
The legislation has now completed the law-making process and attention turns to implementation, with an assisted dying service expected to be available from 2027. The milestone follows years of public consultation, parliamentary scrutiny and campaigning, and is another powerful demonstration that carefully safeguarded assisted dying laws are becoming a reality.
Responding to the news, Dave Sowry, Chair of My Death, My Decision, said:
“This is another historic moment for assisted dying across the British Isles.
“We particularly welcome Jersey’s decision to allow people with neurodegenerative conditions to access assisted dying where they are expected to die within 12 months. For people living with conditions such as Motor Neurone Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s etc, the final months of life can involve a devastating loss of independence, communication and control. Recognising that reality is both compassionate and humane.
“While the proposed Terminally Ill Adults Bill for England and Wales takes a different approach, Jersey’s experience will now provide valuable evidence that a carefully safeguarded assisted dying law can be implemented safely in practice. We hope that gives Parliament further confidence as it continues considering legislation for England and Wales.”
Jersey’s law will apply to mentally competent adults who are terminally ill and have been ordinarily resident in Jersey for at least 12 months. Eligible people will be able to seek an assisted death if they are expected to die within six months, or within 12 months where they have a neurodegenerative condition.
This differs from the proposed Terminally Ill Adults Bill for England and Wales, which currently applies only to terminally ill adults who are reasonably expected to die within six months. Jersey’s inclusion of a 12-month eligibility period for people with neurodegenerative conditions recognises that some terminal illnesses involve a longer decline while still causing profound suffering and loss of autonomy.
Jersey plans to introduce its Assisted Dying Service in late 2027, and recruitment has already begun for key leadership roles to oversee the safe, ethical and compassionate delivery of the new service. During the implementation period, clinical guidance will be developed, healthcare professionals will receive specialist training, and independent oversight and regulatory arrangements will be established before the law comes into force
The Isle of Man has approved assisted dying legislation but now awaits Royal Assent, meaning Jersey has become the first jurisdiction in the British Isles to complete the legislative process for assisted dying, underlining the growing momentum behind law reform across the British Isles. As implementation begins, campaigners across the UK will be watching closely as Jersey demonstrates how a compassionate, carefully safeguarded assisted dying service can operate in practice.
Notes:
Members of the MDMD 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 Kerry Hogan at kerry.hogan@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07922363248. (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.
