First part of British Isles to legalise assisted dying after landmark vote
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.
In November last year, the proposed law cleared its first parliamentary hurdle after MPs voted 330 to 275, majority 55, to approve it at second reading.
The Bill will now proceed to committee stage, where MPs can propose amendments.
Any changes to the law are unlikely to come into force before 2026, but the vote marks a significant shift in the UK’s approach to assisted dying.
Supporters argue the proposals, which apply to terminally ill adults with less than six months to live, will give people greater control at the end of their live
The landmark vote came after hours of emotional exchanges, with more than 160 MPs vying to speak on the controversial issue.
Kim Leadbeater, who introduced the Bill, argued it was time to tackle the difficult subject of end-of-life care, calling the debate “long overdue.”
She described the Assisted Dying Bill as a compassionate choice for those facing unbearable suffering, insisting it offers a holistic approach alongside palliative care.
She said: “This Bill will give society a much better approach towards end of life.
What is in the new assisted dying Bill MPs are considering?
MPs debated a groundbreaking new Bill that could legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales.
Kim Leadbeater’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill would allow those with less than six months to live to make the choice to end their life.
To qualify, individuals must have been residents in England and Wales for at least a year, registered with a GP, and have the mental capacity to make a voluntary, informed decision free from coercion.
The proposed process includes making two separate declarations, both signed and witnessed, with eligibility confirmed by two independent doctors.
A High Court judge would also assess each case, considering input from doctors, the individual, and others as necessary.
Patients would then have at least 14 days to reflect on their decision, though this could be reduced to 48 hours for those nearing death.
Strict safeguards are included to prevent abuse, with up to 14 years in prison for anyone found pressuring or misleading a person into seeking assisted dying. Participation by doctors is voluntary, and only the patient can administer the medication, potentially through a device like a button.
Ms. Leadbeater expects the service to take at least two years to implement if the Bill becomes law. Evidence from countries with similar laws suggests only a small number of deaths—between 0.5% and 3%—would be assisted each year. The Bill also mandates scrutiny, with regular reporting by the Health Secretary and Chief Medical Officers to ensure proper oversight.
If MPs vote to approve the Bill, it will proceed to committee stage for detailed examination and potential amendments. However, time constraints during Friday sittings could delay progress, and the Bill faces opposition, with some MPs tabling an amendment to block it entirely. Whether the Bill advances will depend on the outcome of Friday’s vote.
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