Isle of Man takes another step toward legalising assisted dying - but only if you've lived on the island for five years to stop 'death tourist' influx
The Isle of Man has taken another step towards legalising assisted dying for those who have lived o the island for five years.
The Assisted Dying Bill's clauses stage finished today following seven days of debate across three months.
As it stands, the Bill is only for adults who have been resident on the island for five years, have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of no more than 12 months, and who have a settled intention to end their life.
Other measures around ensuring legal and workplace protection for medical professionals who participate in assisted dying have also been agreed, while a request from the British Medical Association (BMA) for an opt-in model for doctors who choose to be part of the service was approved.
This comes after leaders from the British Isles have dismissed fears that the new rule could lead to an influx of 'death tourists'.
Dignity in Dying protesters demonstrate while States of Jersey Government Ministers were entering the States Assembly building to debate the Assisted Dying Law in May
This is the moment Jersey's parliament voted for a service for terminally ill people with a life expectancy of six months, or 12 months if they have a neurodegenerative disease
Meanwhile, a move to make the Assisted Dying Bill separate from the island's public health service, Manx Care, was voted down, as was a move to hold a referendum before a new law could take effect.
Dr Alex Allinson, the Member of the House of Keys (MHK) behind the Bill, said he is 'grateful' further amendments have been proposed and accepted, which he said will 'reinforce safeguards' in the new legislation.
He said debate has been thorough and that, while he respects the views of those who remain opposed to change, there is a 'significant majority of Members who are now content with the way the Bill has been changed to agree a third reading'.
He said: 'We certainly are still in the position of being the first (place) in the British Isles to bring legislation forward for royal assent.
'But there will need to be quite a long implementation period, including conversations and working with people like the General Medical Council (GMC) and the BMA to make this Bill operational.'
Health and social services minister Tom Binet defended the controversial proposals, saying they had been 'very much influenced and informed by the views of islanders'
Members of the States Assembly voted for a service for terminally ill people on the island of Jersey
Campaigners have said if the Bill gains royal assent next year, assisted dying could be available to eligible Manx residents from 2027.
Before coming to power, new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he is 'committed' to allowing a vote on legalising assisted dying.
Campaigners opposed to a change in the law have voiced concerns that legalising assisted dying could put pressure on vulnerable people to end their lives for fear of being a burden on others, and argue that the disabled, elderly, sick or depressed could be especially at risk.
Legislation on assisted dying is currently also being considered in Scotland and Jersey.
Jersey's government played down fears of an influx of 'death tourists' last month after campaigners expressed fears of people flocking to the island to take advantage of the potential changes.
But a government spokesperson confirmed the service would only be available for residents of Jersey.
Health and social services minister Tom Binet defended the controversial proposals, saying they had been 'very much influenced and informed by the views of islanders'.
A government spokesperson said: 'To be able to access the assisted dying service, a person must have been ordinarily resident in Jersey for at least 12 months prior to making their first formal request for an assisted death.
'Ordinarily resident means a person who lives in Jersey and spends all their time here except for short visits abroad on business or holiday.'
Mr Binet added: 'I think all the indications are that a majority of people actually want this.'
Asked about his hopes for the tone of the debate on what is a sensitive and divisive topic, he said: 'I think we have a pretty good democracy here. It seems to work pretty well and everybody has got an equal opportunity to say their piece.'
In 2021, just over three-quarters of the members of a citizens' jury on Jersey agreed that assisted dying should be permitted, and later that year the Assembly became the first parliament in the British Isles to decide 'in principle' to allow assisted dying.
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