Isle of Man poised to pass assisted dying legislation

On Tuesday 25 February, members of the House of Keys are expected to pass the Isle of Man’s Assisted Dying Bill. Humanists UK urges Members of the House of Keys to vote in support of the law and make the Isle of Man the first part of the UK and Crown dependencies to introduce compassionate assisted dying legislation.

Introduced by Dr Alex Allinson MHK, the Bill will give people aged 18 and over who are dying and have 12 or fewer months to live the choice of an assisted death if approved by two doctors.

In July 2024 the Bill passed the third reading in the House of Keys, the lower house of Tynwald, the Isle of Man’s Parliament, 16 votes in favour, 8 against. In January, the Bill passed its final stage in the Legislative Council, the upper chamber. As the upper chamber only made minor changes to the Bill, the final vote on Tuesday is expected to pass without a significant challenge.

Once passed, the Bill 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.

Andrew Copson, Chief Executive of Humanists UK, said:

‘With the Isle of Man poised to be the first part of the UK and Crown Dependencies to grant people the choice of an assisted death, this is an historic moment.

‘We urge members of the House of Keys to support the Bill at its final stage and create a groundbreaking, compassionate, and safe law.’

Vicky Christian, My Death, My Decision Isle of Man, said:

‘I sincerely hope that members of the House of Keys make the right choice on Tuesday by voting for compassion, dignity, and personal choice. No one on the Isle of Man who is suffering at the end of their life should be forced to endure unbearable pain.

Our politicians have done an outstanding job so far—listening to those facing death and crafting a law that is both safe and practical. Now, they stand at the final hurdle. This vote is about giving people the right to take control of their own deaths—because, in the end, it’s my life, my death, my decision.’

Humanists UK spokespeople are available throughout 24-25 February. Media should contact Humanists UK Assisted Dying Campaigner Nathan Stilwell at nathan@humanists.uk or phone 07456 200033.