The Assisted Dying Bill will head into its final debate in the House of Keys next week.
Tuesday (February 25) will see MHK’s debate the amendments made to the Bill by the Legislative Council.
The Bill proposes that lawful assisted dying should be available as a choice for terminally ill mentally competent residents.
Dignity in Dying says this is a “historic moment” for the bill and what the future entails.
Assisted Dying
A consultation in 2023 showed that 65% of respondents strongly support the introduction of such legislation whilst 8% strongly oppose it.
On further questioning 48% of people, when asked, believed it of high importance that a law change was debated during this political term.
However, another consultation revealed that 49.61% of residents disagree with the bill, whilst 49.01% agree.
The island’s lower and upper houses have approved the Bill, and on Tuesday it returns to the lower house to debate final amendments.
If approved, it will be sent for Royal Assent and an implementation period will begin, with the choice of assisted dying potentially available to terminally ill residents from 2027.
Dignity in Dying
Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of Dignity in Dying, said: “The Isle of Man is set to make history on Tuesday; likely to become the first place in the British Isles to grant its citizens true choice at the end of life.
“We pay special tribute to the Manx families who intimately understand the dangers of banning assisted dying, and who have fought for so long for a safer, fairer future.
“That future is now within touching distance.”
Final Debate
Dr Alex Allinson, who brought forward the Private Members Bill, told Manx.News that a series of the amendments are “relatively minor”.
However, some of the amendments are slightly stronger regarding strengthening the safeguards and residency criteria around the Bill.
He said: “I’m grateful to members of LegCo, they’ve actually asked me some questions about why the Bill is like it is.
“Their amendments actually improve the safeguards that are there, and make it a better bit of legislation, and I hope that Members of the House of Keys agree with that.”
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