A bill to allow terminally ill people to seek an assisted death is to be considered by the States of Guernsey parliament in May, it has been announced. If passed Guernsey could become the first place in the UK and crown dependencies to allow assisted dying. Humanists UK and Channel Islands Humanists, who have campaigned for a change in the law to allow both terminally ill and incurably suffering people who are of sound mind the option to choose a dignified death, welcome this announcement.
If the bill passes, the Guernsey Government will open an 18 month consultation on how the proposals will be implemented, including whether this would be available to those travelling from the United Kingdom. Currently, according to figures from Dignity in Dying, 44 people from the UK each year travel to Switzerland to seek an assisted death, at an average cost of £10,000.
Humanists UK campaigns to change this law. It recently intervened in the High Court case of its member Noel Conway, who is terminally ill, and is seeking permission to do the same in the upcoming Court of Appeal case, as well as the case of its member Omid T who is seeking to also allow assisted dying for those who are not terminally ill but are incurably suffering.
Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson commented, ‘We welcome the compassionate decision taken by Guernsey’s leaders to consider assisted dying for those who are terminally ill. This marks a significant step in the right direction and strengthens the case for a similar change in the law all across the UK and crown dependencies, which we want to see not only for the terminally ill people but also for those who are incurably suffering.’
‘We campaign to change the law in the UK to permit assisted dying to reduce the pointless suffering of those who are reaching the end of their lives and wish to die without pain and distress and for people whose physical condition causes them suffering that they can no longer endure.’
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For further comment or information contact Richy Thompson, Director of Public Affairs and Policy at richy@humanists.uk or 020 7324 3072.
Read more about Humanists UK’s campaign work on assisted dying: https://humanists.uk/campaigns/public-ethical-issues/assisted-dying/
At Humanists UK, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. Our work brings non-religious people together to develop their own views, helping people be happier and more fulfilled in the one life we have. Through our ceremonies, education services, and community and campaigning work, we strive to create a fair and equal society for all.
Channel Islands Humanists is a part of Humanists UK.
Humanists UK recently changed its name from the British Humanist Association: https://humanists.uk/2017/05/22/bha-becomes-humanists-uk/