Isle of Man one step closer to assisted suicide

The Isle of Man is progressing towards legalising assisted suicide after the House of Keys voted 17 to 7 in favour of the bill during its second reading.

Introduced by Dr Alex Allinson in 2022, the Private Member’s Bill seeks to allow terminally ill residents to choose to end their lives.

The legislation, if passed, would make the Isle of Man the first part of the British Isles to legalise assisted suicide, potentially making it available by 2025.

Critics of the legislation argue that it poses legal and ethical challenges and contradicts suicide prevention efforts.

Concerns have also been raised about the potential for "death tourism," where people might travel to the Isle of Man to take advantage of the law.

A third reading of the Bill is expected to take place on Tuesday 23 July.

If it continues to progress, the bill could receive Royal Assent next year.