The Isle of Man’s Parliament has passed a Bill to legalise assisted suicide.
On Tuesday, the Private Member’s Bill proposed by Ramsey MHK Alex Allinson to allow terminally ill residents to be given lethal drugs to end their own lives was voted through.
After receiving Royal Assent, the Bill could come into effect as early as 2027.
Lives at risk
Pro-assisted suicide activists took delight in the move, with Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of Dignity in Dying, predicting: “Change is coming across the British Isles and the Isle of Man has led the way.”
However, Gordon Macdonald of Care Not Killing said it was a “very sad day for islanders”.
He explained: “In the small number of places that have legalised state assisted killing, we see the lives of vulnerable people put at risk, with safeguards and restrictions removed”.
Negative change
The Christian Institute’s Head of Policy and Research, David Greatorex, lamented the result: “It is tragic to see Tynwald plunging ahead with assisted suicide, despite the increasing spotlight on the dangers it poses to individuals and society.
“Attempts to legalise it at Holyrood and Westminster have prompted a mass of concerns from medical experts, legal professionals, commentators and religious groups.”
He continued: “Instead of causing more vulnerable people to question if they are better off dead, we should be caring for and trying to provide hope to all in their darkest moments.”
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