London – The island of Man will become the first part of the British islands in legalizing assisted death as the debate on a similar bill continues in the Parliament of the United Kingdom.
The island’s legislature approved the final version of the Tuesday of the Project of Assisted Death Law, sending it to King Carlos III for the formality of approval that will make it law.
The home of the island of 84,000 residents between northern England and Ireland is a possession of the British crown that is autonomous but depends on the United Kingdom for defense and foreign affairs.
The bill would allow adults with terminal illnesses to finish their lives if they are expected to have less than a year to live. The candidates should have lived on the island for five years. Doctors have to choose to provide the service.
Dr. Alex Allinson, a member of the Cayos Chamber that introduced the bill in 2022, said he hopes that the bill will become law at the end of this year and that it may be in force by 2027.
“It has been a long process, but it was something that, when I entered politics, I was committed to trying to advance,” said Allinson. “People have been trying on the island of man during the last 20 years to provide dignity and autonomy for those who face imminent death.”
The opponents of the bill told them that they were concerned that disabled, old, sick and depressed people could be pressed to end their lives so that they are not a burden for others.
Allinson said the bill was carefully written to establish protections and still faces more debate on how the law is implemented.
James Mildred de Christian Action Research and Education, who opposed the bill, described the passage as a “deeply sad step.”
British legislators are debating a bill To help adults with terminal diseases end their lives In England and Wales after giving it the initial approval in November.
Scottish legislators are expected to vote a bill of assisted death in the coming weeks.
