Assisted Dying Review Panel questions Minister on proposed legislation
Scrutiny
25 November 2025
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The Assisted Dying Review Panel has questioned the Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Tom Binet, on the proposed legislation to introduce an Assisted Dying Service to the Island.During a Public Hearing held on Wednesday 19 November, the Panel questioned the Minister and officers on various aspects of the legislation, which is scheduled for debate in the States Assembly in January 2026.
The Panel heard:
- The Minister is confident that the proposed legislation is sufficiently robust but is open to making amendments to the Law should they be necessary. Any future amendments to the Law will require the full legislative process.
- The Law allows for both “Assisted Suicide” (self-administered) and “euthanasia” (administered by a certified practitioner); whilst the Law does not explicitly use the term “euthanasia”, it allows for what is considered euthanasia and has been guided by the steer of the States Assembly and consultations with medical professionals and bodies.
- Islanders will be able to self-refer themselves to the Assisted Dying Service, and do not necessarily need to go via their doctor.
- The Minister believes that only a very small number of users of the service will be asking for a waiver of requirement for future capacity, and he is confident that the necessary safeguards and processes are embedded in the Law.
- The Assisted Dying Service will be producing communications materials to inform Islanders about the availability of the service. This will include leaflets and a website, as well as cooperation with healthcare organisations in the Island.
- Additional regulations will be drafted – including those on advocacy – during the implementation phase of the Law.
The Chair of the Assisted Dying Review Panel, Deputy Louise Doublet, said:
“I would firstly like to thank the Minister and officers for their time during the Hearing. They provided a great deal of detail on what is an extremely complex, vast, and technical subject.
“Overall, the Panel noted the responses provided in the hearing and considers that the level of detail – particularly on safeguarding – is extensive. We will however be undertaking further work to assess that the legislation will ensure all Islanders, including those with disabilities, who are either accessing or implementing the service, are provided the protection, safeguarding, and support they deserve.
“There are some areas where we would like further consideration and clarity. We feel the Minister should ensure that contingency measures for an instance where a designated medical practitioner cannot – or will not – carry out a patient's wish at the time of administration are robust.
“Additionally, we have some concerns about exactly how the service will be communicated to Islanders. This is without doubt an emotional and sensitive subject, so any communications on its availability should be done respectfully.
“Following the evidence gathering we have undertaken over the last few months, and the information we have received from this Hearing, we will be producing a report that will be presented to the Assembly ahead of the debate on 20 January”.
