From Monday 4th January, Jersey islanders will be invited to take part in a Citizen’s Jury that will address one of the most challenging of ethical issues; Should assisted dying be permitted in Jersey and if so, under what circumstances?
Invites will be sent to a random sample of 4,600 Island households asking anyone aged 16 or over who is living in that household to register their interest in joining the Citizens’ Jury.
Jury members will then be selected at random from those who registered their interest. Those selected will demographically represent the Island’s population. The Jury will take place via online sessions in Spring 2021 and will make recommendations for consideration by the States Assembly before the end of 2021.
Deputy Richard Renouf, Minister for Health and Social Services said: “I committed to establishing a Citizen’s Jury last year to consider the sensitive issue of assisted dying. This unfortunately, had to be delayed due to Covid-19, but I’m glad we can start this process this year.
“Every member of the Jury will have a pivotal role in helping ensure that the States Assembly, and other key stakeholders, benefit from an in-depth understanding of our community’s response to assisted dying ahead of a debate later this year. I hope that Islanders will register their interest in participating. This is a real opportunity to influence and inform future policy and legislation in Jersey.”
An independent advisory panel has been set up in Jersey to ensure the integrity and robustness of the process, with UK based experts engaged to adherence to best practice in participatory democracy.
Michael De La Haye, a member of the independent advisory panel, said: “The Minister has tasked Panel members and I with overseeing the integrity of the Citizen’s Jury process, both in terms of its design and content. We will work with independent organisations, who are leaders in participatory democracy, to ensure that the make-up of the Jury represents our Island, and that the evidence presented to Jury members is balanced, accurate and comprehensive.”
