Isle of Man closer to passing historic assisted dying law

The Isle of Man’s assisted dying bill has cleared a major hurdle and is set to become the first part of the UK and Crown dependencies to have an assisted dying law. Today the House of Keys, the lower chamber, considered amendments from the Tynwald’s upper chamber, the Legislative Council, and sent the Bill back to the upper chamber to be considered on 11 March. Humanists UK, which has long worked to help pass this law, welcomes this news and urges legislators to vote in support of the Bill when it returns for consideration.

While the majority of amendments were agreed upon, the House of Keys voted against a small number of amendments to the Bill. That means that the Bill did not complete its passage today. The Legislative Council must now look at these amendments again on 11 March, where if approved it will be sent for Royal Assent.

In order to access assisted dying under the proposed scheme, a patient must:

• Be aged 18 or over
• Have a terminal illness that will cause their death within twelve months or fewer
• Be of sound mind and have a clear and settled wish to die
• Have been assessed by two independent doctors.

Humanists UK has worked to support the passing of the Bill and welcomed an amendment which extended the eligibility for patients from those with six months left to live to those with a prognosis of twelve months.

Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, said:

‘The Isle of Man is on the path to becoming the first part of these islands to extend compassion and freedom of choice to its people by giving them a choice in the place and timing of their death.

‘We have long supported this Bill and applaud those who have worked hard to get us here. We urge parliamentarians to stay the course and set an example for lawmakers across the rest of the UK and Crown Dependencies to follow.’

Vicky Christian, Chair of My Death, My Decision Isle of Man said:

‘This is a historic step, and is likely the last time the Bill will be debated in the lower chamber. This Bill will ensure people on the Isle of Man will finally have choice and dignity at the end of their lives. I am incredibly proud of our island for not only listening to its people but, more importantly, listening to those facing the end of life. In this debate, compassion and evidence have prevailed.

‘I want to thank the members of the House of Keys for their dedication to this cause. But above all, I want to thank the individuals who shared their personal stories and stood with us throughout this journey—this has truly been a campaign led by the people.’

Assisted dying around the UK and Crown dependencies