An Isle of Man woman whose husband died of Motor Neurone Disease declared ‘history has been made’ after the island voted to approve the legalisation of assisted dying.
The island in the Irish Sea became the first part of the British Isles to take the step following a landmark vote in the capital of Douglas.
Members of the island’s legislative council approved their final reading of the bill, which means it will be sent forward for royal assent – the formal final stage before it becomes law.
In its current state, the law will only apply to people who have lived on the Irish Sea island for five years or more who have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of no more than 12 months and who have a ‘settled intention’ to end their life.
Doctors will also be allowed to opt in, after the British Medical Association called for medical professionals to be able to choose whether to provide the service.
Sue Biggerstaff from the Manx village of Ballabeg, whose husband Simon died of MND in 2022, said: ‘I am delighted that dying people like my husband Simon will soon have choice over their deaths.
‘No one should have to suffer like he did at the end. I thank members of both Houses for their dedication and hard work on this process.
‘History has been made today and Simon’s legacy is that people like him will soon be granted the compassion and choice that they deserve.’
However, opponents of the legislation said it could leave vulnerable people feeling pressured to end their own lives early because they believe they are becoming a burden on their loved ones.
Dr Alex Allinson, a local GP who introduced the private member’s bill in 2022 as a member of the House of Keys (MHK), said he hoped the plans would be in place by 2027.
He 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.’
Dr Allison 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.’
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The latest news comes as the committee scrutinising the assisted dying bill in the UK parliament is set to complete its work.
Labour MP Kim Leadbeater’s bill is expected to soon move to its report stage before the all-important third reading takes place.
It passed its second reading with a majority of 55 at the end of November last year.
Bills to legalise assisted dying are also in progress at the Scottish Parliament and on Jersey in the Channel Islands.
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