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A proposed new law covering assisted dying in Jersey has been delayed by around six months, the Health Minister has confirmed.
States Members had been due to debate Deputy Karen Wilson's proposals in February of next year, however an update shared by the minister has pushed this date back, with the debate now anticipated during the third quarter of 2024.
The revised timeline was described by Deputy Wilson as a reflection of "the time and consideration required to consider this issue", and would help avoid a clash with the debate on the Government Plan – Ministers' spending proposals for the next four years – scheduled for December.
She also said a delay would give States Members sufficient time to examine and understand the detailed proposals – something requested by the Health and Social Security Scrutiny panel.
Deputy Wilson said: "Earlier this year, we published the Assisted Dying Consultation Feedback Report – at the same time, I also advised of the next steps in developing proposals and the anticipated timeframe.
"While these steps remain unchanged, through discussion with Ministers and the Scrutiny panel, timings of these steps have been revised."
Key stages on the new timeline are:
Q4 2023 – Ethics review on proposals to be published.
Q1 2024 – Proposals to be further refined using ethics review and lodged for debate.
Q3 2024 – States Assembly debate.
Should the States Assembly approve the policy proposals, work would then commence on the preparation of a draft assisted dying law, with an expectation from the Government that this work would take "a minimum of 12 to 18 months".
If the draft law is then approved by politicians, it is anticipated that an 18-month implementation period would begin before the law came into effect.
Deputy Wilson concluded: “This is a sensitive subject for which we are committed to ensuring the community and States Members are provided with all the information needed for consideration.”
Health Minister pledges to put forward assisted dying plan by end of year (April 2023)
Gov needs more time to consider public feedback on assisted dying (February 2023)
EXPLAINED: How assisted dying is proposed to work in Jersey
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