First part of British Isles to legalise assisted dying after landmark vote
03/25/2025 08:09 AM
THE first part of the British Isles is set to legalise assisted dying after a landmark vote.
The Isle of Man has approved the legalisation of assisted dying following a vote in the capital of Douglas.
At present, the law will only apply to residents who have lived on the island for five years or more who have a terminal illness.
They must have a life expectancy of no more than 12 months to be eligible and have a “settled intention” to end their life.
Doctors will also be allowed to decide whether they provide the service, according to the British Medical Association.
Dr Alex Allinson, a local GP who introduced the private member's bill in 2022 said: “It has been a long process, but it was something that, when I went into politics, I was committed to try to advance.
“I'm very grateful to be in the privileged position of being able to bring this legislation through.
“People have been trying on the Isle of Man for the last 20 years to provide dignity and autonomy for those who are facing an imminent death.”
He added: “I see this as a culmination of the efforts of many members of our community to provide for assisted dying for people on the Isle of Man.”
This comes after we reported the assisted dying Bill is at risk of collapse at the next vote, in protest over how it has been handled.
Some MPs who voted in favour of the legislation in November are now considering switching sides.
It comes amid concerns over a lack of safeguards such as scrapping a requirement for a High Court judge to approve applications.
Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who is promoting the bill, has instead suggested a three-person panel with a senior legal figure, psychiatrist and social worker.
One insider said: "Easily 50 MPs voted for it because they wanted to give it a fair hearing not because they backed it.
"Many do not like what they've seen so I think defeat is perfectly likely.
“Unfortunately, that will shut down the conversation for the next 25 years."
The bill passed by a majority of 55 and only 28 would need to change their minds for it to fail.
One MP who backs assisted dying said: "Even I will vote against it if I'm not happy with the legislation."
The third reading is expected in mid-May.
Multiple sources said the anti-assisted dying campaign had been much more organised than the pro campaign.
And MPs' inboxes have been flooded with emails calling on them to turn against the bill.
But sources behind the bill said they had not picked up any significant loss of support.
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