A REVIEW of the proposed assisted dying legislation will “ensure it is fit for purpose for a small jurisdiction”, the politician leading it has said.
Health Minister Tom Binet will be publicly questioned about the law, which is due to be debated by States Members later this year.
And, Deputy Louise Doublet has confirmed that the Assisted Dying Review Panel, which she chairs, will bring forward recommendations and amendments “should there be any gaps” in the law.
She said: “Assisted dying is an emotive, challenging subject. The presentation of this legislation comes nearly four years after the Assembly agreed, in principle, that assisted dying should be permitted in Jersey.
“Understandably, considerable analysis and scrutiny must be undertaken – including a wide range of public engagement – to ensure Jersey’s adoption of any form of assisted dying is done so with the proper due diligence, appropriate and thorough scrutiny, and the support of the public.
“Alongside our previous review and the government’s previous consultation work, our review into this legislation is another measure to ensure this level of consideration continues.”
She added: “We will be looking very carefully at the assisted dying legislation that the
government has presented to the Assembly.
“We will ensure that it is fit for purpose for a small jurisdiction like Jersey, and that it aligns with the principles adopted by the Assembly last year.
“Should there be any gaps within the legislation, or should it appear to fall short of international best practice, we will offer evidence-based observations as to how these could be mitigated.
“The panel will present a report, including any findings and recommendations, to the States Assembly and Council of Ministers for consideration.”
Last week, the Council of Ministers lodged a proposition which sets out the framework for terminally ill adults living in Jersey to end their lives, who could be eligible, how the process would work and what checks would apply.
If adopted when it is debated later this year, Jersey would become just the second place in the British Isles to introduce such a law, after proposals to give terminally ill adults in the Isle of Man were agreed by the Manx parliament in March.
