Assisted dying bill supported by HOK

A Private Members Bill, which could see the Island introduce assisted dying laws, was given support by members of the House of Keys yesterday.

The Bill, brought forward by Dr Alex Allison - would enable assisted dying for terminally ill, mentally competent adults on Island.

In opening the debate, Dr Allinson said 'this is not an issue that is going to go away, nor a problem we can continue to seek to ignore.'

Members voted overwhelmingly (22-2) to allow to the bill to be introduced.

However, it's only the first step before a lengthy consultation process - a public consultation is now expected over the summer before draft legislation is prepared by the end of the year for review by a Tynwald committee. 

This follows a motion on assisted dying proposed by Dr Allinson in January 2020 which was rejected at the time.

An opinion poll last year found that 87% of respondents support a change in the law on assisted dying.

Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of Dignity in Dying, which campaigns for a change in the law on assisted dying across the British Isles, said:

“This vote today represents a victory for compassion and common-sense, not just for the Isle of Man but the whole of the British Isles. Parliamentarians are quickly catching up with the public on assisted dying, recognising that it is becoming increasingly untenable to defend laws that fail to provide terminally ill people with the choice and protection they want and need. We commend Members of the House of Keys for grasping this nettle and taking steps towards a safer and more compassionate future for its dying citizens, alongside law-makers in Jersey and Scotland.

 “In light of this progress, the growing evidence of the dangers of the status quo and the huge public appetite for change, it is only right that MPs in Westminster are also given the opportunity for full and fair debate. Assisted dying must be given the time and respect it deserves in Parliament. Continuing to ban this option not only lacks compassion; it represents a serious risk to patient safety which can no longer be ignored.”

Assisted dying is permitted in Switzerland, including for foreign nationals, and broader right-to-die laws are in place in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.