Assisted Dying: Could the Island's first assisted death take place by 2025?

As the second reading of the Assisted Dying Bill looms we hear from those for and against a law change

The first assisted death on the Isle of Man could take place by 2025. 

That's according to a campaigner for Humanists UK - who will be addressing Manx politicians today (26 October). 

The group is in support of introducing new legislation on the Island which would permit assisted dying but many others aren't. 

Ramsey MHK, Treasury Minister and GP Alex Allinson will take his Assisted Dying Bill for its second reading in the House of Keys next Tuesday (31 October). 

It aims to enable certain adults, who are terminally ill, to be provided - at their request - with specified assistance to end their own life.

And it's a divisive topic. 

'TAKE THE PEOPLES' SUFFERING SERIOUSLY'

Nathan Stilwell is from Humanists UK - a group which wants the bill to go further. 

He's calling for the criteria, for those allowed to request an assisted death, to be expanded:

"Think about the suffering people and what's best for these people." - Nathan Stilwell

'THINK AGAIN'

Somone who has a very different view is Professor Kevin Yuill - the chief executive of Humanists Against Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia (HAASE).

He's also had chance this week to address our politicians. 

Professor Yuill told Manx Radio making 'killing' part of a medical procedure is never going to be a good idea - adding the Island could end up being referred to as 'death island'.

He's urging MHK's to 'think again' before going further with the legislation.

"It's going to be a nightmare to implement." - Professor Kevin Yuill

'34% OF DOCTORS COULD LEAVE THE ISLAND'

Assisted death wouldn't be possible without assistance from a doctor. 

But the Isle of Man Medical Society is claiming that 74 percent of doctors it surveyed were against the legislation - with 34 percent stating they'd consider leaving the Island if the law is passed.

Dr Ben Harris is the society's president and told Manx Radio he's not surprised by the findings adding if medical staff were to leave it 'will put further strain on the healthcare services':

He also says determining life expectancy 'isn't an easy thing' to do:

"Doctors aren't just bystanders in this - they're actually part and parcel of the whole delivery of it." - Dr Ben Harris 

'WE DON'T WANT WHAT HAPPENED IN HOLLAND TO HAPPEN HERE'

Charities too have been voicing their opinions on assisted dying including Autism in Mann which is strongly opposed to it. 

The charity says it doesn't believe its views and submissions on the subject were taken into consideration. 

You can find out more HERE.

Member Alan Desmond says he fears, that with time, the criteria would broaden to make more groups eligible for an assisted death:

"People with autism and other disabilities have been legally euthanised in Netherlands because they say they could not lead normal lives." - Alan Desmond

'NO PROVISION FOR EXTENSION'

In response to the concerns highlighted Dr Allinson told Manx Radio there is no provision in the legislation for it to be extended to children, to those who lack capacity, to those who are not dying of a terminal illness or the disabled.

He says it will have 'no impact' on those in our community who have a disability.

NEWSCAST

You can hear more on this story in this episode of NEWSCAST.