Isle of Man Becomes First Parliament in British Isles to Approve Assisted Suicide Legislation
The bill for royal assent has been sent by the upper chamber of the Isle of Man’s Parliament, paving the way for an assisted suicide service to potentially be established by 2027.
Terminally ill individuals on the Isle of Man will soon have the option to choose assisted suicide at the end of their lives, with the Assisted Dying Bill taking its final steps towards becoming law.
If enacted, the Isle of Man would become the first region in the British Isles to legalize assisted suicide, following the approval of its proposed legislation by the Parliament’s upper chamber.
The legislative council, also known as its members, gave their final approval to the Assisted Dying Bill this week, setting in motion the process for royal assent and eventual implementation as law.
Dr. Alex Allinson, who introduced the bill in 2022, expressed hope that it could become law later this year, establishing an assisted suicide service by 2027.
He mentioned that he had encountered many patients who desired this option and considered it a privilege to advocate for the bill.
The Isle of Man bill specifically applies to adult residents on the island for at least five years, diagnosed with terminal illnesses and a life expectancy of no more than 12 months, and who express a clear intention to end their lives.
While doctors can choose to participate in the service, the British Medical Association advocated for this to be a voluntary decision.
Concerns have been raised by opponents of the law, suggesting that it could coerce vulnerable individuals into ending their lives to avoid burdening others, with the elderly, disabled, sick, and depressed being particularly at risk.
Despite acknowledging differing viewpoints, Allinson emphasized that the drafting of the bill involved a meticulous process incorporating expert opinions throughout.
He outlined that the law’s implementation would involve further consultation, guidelines, and safeguards, as well as additional parliamentary debates on underlying regulations and secondary legislation.
The legislation is expected to only cater to a small number of individuals, but for those individuals, it signifies a significant move towards autonomy and choice at the end of life.
While some celebrate this as a historic progression, others, like Care Not Killing Chief Executive Gordon Macdonald, view it as a sad day for islanders.
James Mildred from the Christian Action Research and Education organization expressed disappointment, calling the legislation a negative cultural shift.
In the meantime, a bill to legalize assisted dying in England and Wales is undergoing scrutiny by a committee of MPs at Westminster, with several amendments, including expert panels for decision-making, being considered.
Jersey’s Parliament is also expected to discuss a draft law for an assisted dying service for terminally ill individuals later this year, with a potential implementation window of 18 months if approved.
Additionally, a vote on a similar bill in Scotland is anticipated in the coming weeks at Holyrood.
