Support for assisted dying surging in Channel Islands and Isle of Man, according to new poll

22 June, 2021

At least eight in ten people favour assisted dying reform across Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man, according to the first poll ever conducted on the matter in the three jurisdictions. The findings have been welcomed by Humanists UK and Channel Islands Humanists. Both campaign to legalise assisted dying for the terminally ill and incurably suffering.

Island Global Research Ltd polled 2,801 adults on behalf of Dignity in Dying and found that 84% of people in Guernsey support assisted dying. 87% of people do so in the Isle of Man. And 90% of people did so in Jersey.

The news coincides with the release of an initial report from Jersey’s citizens’ jury on assisted dying. An overwhelming majority of panellists backed changing the law for the terminally ill and incurably suffering.

Humanists UK’s Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson said: 

‘Few issues command greater popular support than the legalisation of assisted dying. This research shows, for the first time, that this support is now both overwhelming and ubiquitous across Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man.

‘We are lucky to have some of the best palliative care in the world. But it is an inescapable fact that palliative care cannot always ease everyone’s suffering. For those with either terminal and incurable illnesses, a right to die is vital because of the security it offers should their pain ever become too much to bear. With such high levels of support across Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man, we are fast approaching a tipping point in the campaign for assisted dying. It is time for the Crown dependencies’ Governments to recognise this and act.’

Notes:

For further comment or information, please contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at press@humanists.uk or phone 020 7324 3072 or 07534 248 596.

About the poll

Island Global Research Ltd conducted the research between 10-18 May 2021 on behalf of Dignity in Dying. The total sample size was 2,801 adults (873 in Jersey, 1056 in Guernsey, and 872 in the Isle of Man). The survey was carried out online, and the figures have been weighted and are representative of all adults living in the Crown dependencies.

Read more about our campaign to legalise assisted dying. 

Read more about Channel Islands Humanists. 

Channel Islands Humanists is a part of Humanists UK. Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by 100,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.

In 2021, Humanists UK is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a renewed focus on its history. The new website Humanist Heritage is a rich new web resource that uncovers the untold story of humanism in the UK – a story of people, groups, objects, places, movements, publications, and ideas.