Assisted Dying Act receives Royal Assent

President of Tynwald makes announcement in Tynwald

It's been confirmed the Assisted Dying Act has received Royal Assent.

President of Tynwald Juan Watterson made the announcement at the start of today's (20 October) sitting.

The UK's Ministry of Justice previously said it could not recommend the proposals for Royal Assent due to concerns over safeguards, monitoring and capacity.

As a result the mover of the bill - former Ramsey MHK Alex Allinson - brought a number of changes designed to address the concerns.

The Isle of Man becomes the second part of the British Isles to pass legislation in this area, after Jersey's bill gained Royal Assent earlier this year.

In a statement, reacting to the announcement, Dr Allinson said: "The announcement of Royal Assent marks an important step forward for our Island.

"There is considerable further work to be done to draw up codes of practice and guidelines with healthcare professionals and provide holistic education and support for all those involved.

"Key to improving choice and dignity for those facing a terminal illness is investment in palliative care and expanding the choices available for the people of our Island and their families."

Former Douglas East MHK Clare Barber, who was a supporter of the bill, added: "Having worked as a nurse, the concept of a good death is one that is exceptionally important to me.

"As a legislator it is essential to listen to the compelling testimony of members of our community, such as Millie Blenkinsop-French and Sue Biggerstaff and it was a privilege to work alongside parliamentary colleagues to deliver additional choice for those who are facing terminal illness.

"This does not negate the need for palliative care, it complements it."

The Chief Executive of UK charity Dignity in Dying Sarah Wootton said: "Today is a historic and deeply emotional day for the Isle of Man and above all for the families who made it happen.

"Dying Manx people now have the reassurance that, if their suffering becomes unbearable, they will not be abandoned to pain, fear or desperate alternatives."

In a statement, issued by Dignity in Dying, campaigner Sue Biggerstaff added: "Today I’m thinking of Simon.

"He was such a proud, active man, and motor neurone disease took everything from him so quickly.

"By the end he couldn’t move, he could barely speak, and he was in so much pain that he would cry out.

"He pleaded with me to make it stop, and there was nothing I could do.

"Nobody should have to watch someone they love die like that, and nobody should have to die like that.

“Simon would have been eligible under this law, and I know he would have wanted the choice.

"It’s too late for him, but it isn’t too late for the next family.

"Knowing that no one else on this island will be forced to go through what Simon went through means everything to me.

“I want to thank Dr Allinson, every member of Tynwald who listened to us, and everyone who has stood outside Tynwald with us in all weathers.

"We did it, Simon."

The Isle of Man Medical Society said: "The Isle of Man Medical Society notes the announcement in Tynwald today that the Assisted Dying Bill has been granted Royal Assent.

"While we acknowledge the constitutional process the IOMMS maintains its firm and steadfast position regarding the profound risks this legislation poses to healthcare, vulnerable patients, and the medical profession across the Island. 

"The IOMMS position remains grounded in the clear consensus of local clinicians: 74 percent of doctors on the Island oppose assisted dying.

"The IOMMS will continue to advocate for the safety of our patients, the ethical integrity of the medical profession, and the preservation of compassionate, life-affirming care across the Isle of Man."