The Isle of Man is on course to become the first jurisdiction in the British Isles to legalise assisted dying, following the passage of a landmark bill through its parliament. The legislation, introduced by GP and politician Dr Alex Allinson, aims to grant terminally ill individuals “autonomy and choice” in their final months. After securing approval from the Legislative Council, the bill now awaits royal assent before becoming law.
Dr Allinson, a Member of the House of Keys (MHK), expressed confidence that the legislation could be enacted by the end of the year, with assisted dying services available by 2027. Reflecting on his experience as a medical professional, he stated he had encountered many patients who wished to have this option. He described the bill’s passage as the culmination of two decades of advocacy on the Isle of Man to provide dignity and autonomy to those facing an imminent death.
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The new law will apply exclusively to adults who have been residents of the Isle of Man for at least five years and have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of no more than 12 months. Additionally, individuals must demonstrate a settled intention to end their life. Participation for doctors will be voluntary, following recommendations from the British Medical Association (BMA) that medical professionals should have the choice to opt in to providing the service.
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Opponents of the legislation have raised concerns that legalising assisted dying could place undue pressure on vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, disabled, and terminally ill, to seek assisted death for fear of being a burden. However, Dr Allinson emphasised that the bill had been developed through a rigorous and evidence-based process, incorporating expert input. Meanwhile, in the wider UK, MPs at Westminster continue to scrutinise proposed legislation that could see assisted dying legalised in England and Wales, with amendments being considered to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.
