Isle of Man parliament to VOTE on Assisted Suicide bill.

Alex Schadenberg
Executive Director, Euthanasia Prevention Coalition

Isle of Man Parliament

We have received an update from the Care Not Killing Alliance (UK) urging supporters to act immediately as the Parliament in the Isle of Man will be voting on the Assisted Dying Bill on October 31, 2023. The message stated:

The Isle of Man Parliament (Tynwald) votes on the Second Reading of the island’s Assisted Dying Bill TOMORROW.

The Second Reading is when the main ideas behind the bill are debated and first voted on.

With pressure to change the law already mounting in Scotland, Jersey and Westminster, tomorrow’s vote in the Tynwald will carry considerable significance.

What happens in the following days, weeks and months will likely decide the outcome across the British Isles.

Care Not Killing needs their supporters to make a donation as they work to defeat the bill. (Care Not Killing donation link).

Ashlea Tracey reported for BBC News on October 18, 2023 that Isle of Man doctors reject assisted suicide.

The survey of Isle of Man Medical Society members found that 74% of the respondents were against legalizing euthanasia and assisted suicide. 

Tracey reported: 

About 74% of those who responded to the poll asking members for opinions on the Assisted Dying Bill 2023 said they were against the proposed changes.

The poll also found 34% of respondents would consider leaving the island if the new legislation was introduced.

It is due to have its second reading in the House of Keys on 31 October.

Tracey stated that 61% of Isle of Man Medical Society members responded to the poll. The survey indicates that 74% were against the proposal to legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide while 19% indicated that they were willing to participate if legalized.

Since 34% of the respondents stated that they would consider leaving the island if euthanasia or assisted suicide were legal, legalizing euthanasia may create recruitment and retention concerns for medical professionals.

The Isle of Man needs to learn from Canada's experience with euthanasia and reject it. 

Alex Schadenberg will be speaking in the Isle of Man in early November.