Scrutiny review launched into assisted dying proposals
25 March 2024
A Scrutiny Review is underway into the detailed final proposals for assisted dying, which have been lodged for debate in the States Assembly in May 2024.
The Assisted Dying Review Panel will examine the final proposals for assisted dying, considering in particular:
- Whether any changes have been made to the original proposals outlined in P.95/2021, and if so, why; and
- Whether the proposed processes and safeguards for all individuals involved in assisted dying uphold patients' dignity and wishes.
The Panel will examine all evidence received to date from experts and stakeholders and will hold a public hearing with the Minister for Health and Social Services. Feedback from the Panel will be provided through a report, which may include recommendations for the Council of Ministers to consider.
If the Assembly votes to approve the proposals in May, the process of drafting the legislation will begin. The Assembly would then need to vote to approve the drafted legislation in a future States Meeting before Assisted Dying would come into force.
Deputy Louise Doublet, Chair of the Panel, said:
"The Assembly decided in 2021 to permit assisted dying in Jersey in principle, and since then, Government has been working on developing the proposals. The Review Panel's role is to scrutinise and evaluate the final proposals that have now been lodged, before they are debated in the Assembly in May."
"We are going to focus on the safeguarding provisions as well as any other areas of concern that arise over the course of the review. Assisted dying is a complex and nuanced issue – the Review Panel takes its role incredibly seriously and will bring a rigorous approach and a high level of commitment to this work."
