Real concerns exist about the consultation paper on assisted dying in Jersey

Today marks the opening of the public consultation asking islanders to put forward their views on how an Assisted Dying Service in Jersey. This follows the decision in November 2021 by Jersey’s States Assembly that became the first parliament in the British Isles to decide ‘in principle’ that assisted dying should be allowed in the Island.

Dr John Stewart-Jones, Chair of the Jersey Dying Well Group said, “I am very disappointed at the consultation. We need more time to fully consider this.”

He continued to say, “There needs to be an in-depth examination of ‘safeguards’ that are being proposed because as set out in the consultation paper, I believe will enable assisted suicide in extreme cases including anorexia. Furthermore, my real concern is that criteria set around safeguards may well erode over time.”

An analysis of the consultation has found that assisted suicide is possible in the following circumstances:

·       Diabetes

·       Depression

·       Anorexia

·       COPD – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

·       Chronic pain

·       Incontinence

·       Mobility problems

·       Memory loss

·       Personality disorders

·       PTSD – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Assisted dying is defined in Jersey as being where ‘a person with a terminal illness, or experiencing unbearable physical suffering, chooses to end their life with the help of a medical professional’.

One real concern here is how ‘unbearable physical suffering’ can be measured or defined. Doctors already readily admit that predicting how long a terminally ill patient has left to live is notoriously inaccurate beyond a few weeks, and at six months is little more than educated guesswork.

Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Rachel Ruddy commented, “From what I understand from doctors and healthcare staff opposed to the proposition, they would find it impossible to diagnose ‘unbearable suffering’ as it is subjective, and it is impossible to accurately predict time to death for many conditions. Many incurable conditions, such as osteoarthritis or diabetes, may cause symptoms or limitations that a person may describe as ‘unbearable’.”

The reality is that doctors are unable to judge ‘unbearable suffering’, which is a wholly subjective term that can varyover time and is strongly influenced by feelings of depression and hopelessness.

The Jersey Dying Well Group will be giving a more detailed, considered response to the consultation paper in the weeks ahead.