Jersey’s parliament gives backing in principle to assisted dying
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Jersey has taken another step towards legalising assisted dying after the island’s parliament backed the move by a large majority.
In the summer, a citizens’ jury convened to consider the issue concluded that terminally ill islanders should be able to seek help to end their life.
The States Assembly yesterday gave backing in principle to the move, with 36 voting in favour, 10 against and three absent, meaning Jersey could soon become the first jurisdiction in the UK and Crown Dependencies to recognise the right to die.
Jersey’s chief minister John Le Fondré has backed the move, though opponents include the island’s health minister, Richard Renouf, who said safeguards would never be “truly effective”.
A further debate on the process and safeguards will take place next year.
Kathy Riddick, of Humanists UK, said Jersey will “hopefully set the standard for the rest of the UK and Crown Dependencies to follow suit”.
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