Assisted Dying Bill Passes Final Stage In LegCo

The Isle of Man’s Legislative Council (LegCo) – the upper house of Tynwald – has today passed the Isle of Man’s Assisted Dying Bill in its final stage.

Dr Allinson’s Bill, which if introduced would assist dying for terminal ill adults who have a ‘clear and settled’ intention to end their life, has progressed further than any such proposal in the British Isles, putting the Isle of Man on track to be the first to legalise assisted dying.

The Bill will now return to Members of the House of Keys (MHKs) in the lower house for approval.

When all Clauses and amendments are agreed by both houses, it will be sent for Royal Assent and an implementation period will begin, before terminally ill residents are able to access assisted dying, potentially from 2027.

Legislative Council debated Dr Alex Allinson MHK’s Assisted Dying Bill at its third and final reading today, with members voting to pass the Bill 7-1.

Before the sitting, supporters gathered outside the Tynwald buildings to share their views on the Bill, many bringing heartfelt personal stories.

Unlike previous debates throughout 2024, which drew both supporters and opponents of the Bill, this morning’s gathering outside Tynwald was attended solely by those in favour.