Isle of Man assisted dying bill launched
On 27th June 2023, an assisted dying bill in the Isle of Man was launched following a landslide vote in the Manx parliament last year.
Background on the Isle of Man Assisted Dying Bill
The Isle of Man Assisted Dying Bill received its First Reading in the House of Keys, the lower House of the Tynwald, on Tuesday.
Members of the House of Keys voted by 22-2 last year to allow it to be introduced. The Bill was brought by Dr Alex Allison, GP and MHK for Ramsey. It proposed that terminally ill, mentally competent adults should be able to request assisted dying, subject to approval from two independent doctors.
A representative opinion poll found that 87% of residents of the Isle of Man supported a change in the law on assisted dying in 2021.
Momentum is growing for law change on assisted dying across the British Isles. Last week, the Royal College of Surgeons of England dropped its opposition to assisted dying. Assisted dying proposals are progressing in Scotland, Jersey, Ireland and France.
Dr Alex Allinson MHK said:
“The current ban on assisted dying is failing dying people in the Isle of Man and across the British Isles. I am delighted to continue the campaign for much-needed reform for the Manx people, backed by the overwhelming majority of the public, and also support the planned legislative changes in Jersey and Scotland. Assisted dying is an issue that can no longer be ignored.”
Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of Dignity in Dying said:
“I commend Dr Allinson for his important work in bringing this Bill to the House of Keys. The Isle of Man is leading the way towards legalising assisted dying, bringing compassion and dignity to its dying citizens. Manx residents are strongly in favour of allowing terminally ill, mentally competent adults the choice of an assisted death.
There has been significant progress in the British Isles in the last year. The first ever House of Commons inquiry into assisted dying is currently underway, alongside planned legislative change in Jersey and Scotland. Last week, the Royal College of Surgeons adopted a neutral stance on assisted dying, with 6 in 10 RCS members personally supporting law change.
250 million people around the world have access to assisted dying. Our close neighbours Ireland and France are making progress towards choice at the end of life. The British public from all walks of life overwhelmingly supports granting choice to dying people, it’s time for Westminster Parliamentarians to follow others’ lead and legislate.”
Next steps for Isle of Man’s Assisted Dying Bill
A Second Reading of Isle of Man’s Assisted Dying Bill is expected in October 2023. Members of the House of Keys will then vote on the legislation. If the Bill passes, it will then be subject to a Third Reading, Legislative Council, and a final vote.