Humanists UK is to present to the Isle of Man’s parliament this week ahead of the second reading of their assisted dying law. Nathan Stilwell, Humanist UK’s assisted dying campaigner, will talk to members of the House of Keys and Legislative Council about the Private Member’s Bill, which is progressing through their parliament.
The Bill would give terminally ill people on the Isle of Man the choice to end their own life. Humanists UK welcomes its progress, but hopes to see the eligibility criteria changed to include individuals who are incurably and intolerably suffering. Nathan’s talk will make the case for the Isle of Man to adopt the most forward-thinking and compassionate law possible, similar to how the Isle of Man voted to introduce the most liberal abortion regime in the British Isles in 2018.
The Bill was brought to Tynwald by Dr Alex Allinson MHK. Last year, the House voted 22-2 last year to allow the Bill to be introduced.
In January this year, we responded to a consultation setting out why the Isle of Man should adopt a compassionate approach, and what safeguards would be effective.
Humanists UK Assisted Dying Campaigner Nathan Stilwell said:
‘We are delighted that the Isle of Man’s assisted dying bill is steadily progressing. While England and Wales wait for the publication of the assisted dying inquiry report, and no new assisted dying legislation is likely, the Isle of Man shows that a compassionate, evidence-based approach is possible.
‘However, it’s important that the incurably, intolerably suffering, not just the terminally ill, are included in any assisted dying legislation. People with neurological conditions like MND and Huntingtons deserve the right to choose to end their suffering on their terms, and if legislation is only limited to people who have six months left to live, this choice could be denied to them.’
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For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Assisted Dying Campaigner Nathan Stilwell at press@humanists.uk or phone 07456 200033.
If you have been affected by the current assisted dying legislation, and want to use your story to support a change in the law, please email campaigns@humanists.uk
Read six reasons we need an assisted dying law.
Read more about a decade of campaigning for the legal right to die – at home and abroad.
Read the ONS study on suicides among people diagnosed with severe health conditions.
Read more about our campaign to legalise assisted dying in the UK.
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