Churches Alive in Mann, the body representing the island’s main Christian denominations, has raised strong concerns over the Assisted Dying Bill amendments due before Tynwald, warning that key safeguards are “too important to rush”.
In a statement, the group said the proposed changes deal with “hugely significant human rights concerns” around mental capacity, coercion and reporting, but are being brought forward without the usual scrutiny by the House of Keys and Legislative Council.
It described the approach as subverting “carefully constructed democratic processes”.
Issues Unaddressed
While welcoming some protections included in the amendments, Churches Alive in Mann said several major issues remain unaddressed, including:
- the attending doctor not needing specialist experience in terminal illness;
- only one medical professional required to be present when life‑ending medication is taken;
- the attending professional not necessarily needing to be a doctor;
- safeguarding and psychiatric referrals that can be disregarded;
- no protection for job applicants who conscientiously object.
The group also warned that without secure funding for Hospice Isle of Man and palliative care, “end‑of‑life choice is an illusion”, highlighting wider concerns raised by the Isle of Man Medical Society.
Churches Alive in Mann said the existence of the legislation risks making some elderly, disabled or vulnerable people feel like a burden, and argued the amendments do not go far enough to guard against coercion.
Affirming its long‑held position that “all human life is a sacred gift from God”, the organisation urged Tynwald members to reject the current package of amendments.
The group represents denominations including the Church of England, Methodist Church, Catholic Church, United Reformed Church, Living Hope, Elim Onchan, Salvation Army and Broadway Baptist.
