Parents questions if their views were 'overlooked or ignored'
A charity which supports and protects the welfare and wellbeing of people with autism on the Isle of Man says it ‘vehemently’ opposes the introduction of assisted dying legislation.
Autism in Mann has described proposed safeguards contained in a consultation document as ‘vague and (in places) contradictory’.
Ramsey MHK Alex Allinson’s Assisted Dying Bill will have its second reading in the House of Keys next week (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.
But the charity says in its ‘considered opinion’ it would be a ‘very small step’ from the proposed legislation to a situation where medical professionals could advocate ending the life of someone with autism.
'As parents of autistic children (of all ages) we bear a responsibility of care which will endure until we die, at which time that responsibility will pass, in entirety, to the medical and social care system.
'In our considered opinion it would be a very small step from the proposed legislation to a situation whereby medical professionals could advocate ending the life of someone with autism, simply because they (medical professionals) consider an autistic individual’s life to be "intolerable without any prospect for improvement".'
The charity says it’s also concerned that, over time, the criteria for eligibility would inevitably widen.
Opposition to the bill which the charity submitted was, it believes, ‘either overlooked or ignored’.
Autism in Mann adds that none of the concerns its members raised featured in Dr Allinson’s final report.
'It would appear that Dr Allinson is not prepared to publicly acknowledge the likely impact such legislation would have on the disabled community or those who lack capacity, presumably, in case it jeopardised the passage of his Bill?
'As a charity we staunchly believe that the measure of any civilised society is the way in which that society cares for the sick and the vulnerable and, for that reason, we vehemently oppose Dr Allinson’s Bill.'
In response Dr Allinson told Manx Radio:
"The essential aspect of the Assisted Dying Bill is that it would enable adults who have mental capacity, have a terminal illness and are reasonably expected to die within six months who have a clear and settled intention to end their own life to request assistance through the provision of prescribed medication following an assessment by at least two independent doctors.
"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 those who have a disability.
"The proposed bill will have no impact on those in our community who have a disability."
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