Isle of Man Approves Landmark Assisted Dying Bill

The Isle of Man has approved a pioneering bill that grants terminally ill adults the right to end their lives, potentially becoming the first in the British Isles to do so. The bill awaits Royal Assent and could influence similar legislation in England and Wales.

The Isle of Man, a British Crown Dependency, has taken a groundbreaking step by approving a bill that allows terminally ill adults the right to end their lives. This marks a significant shift and positions the island as a potential first in the British Isles for such legislation.

The bill offers residents with less than a year to live the choice to receive assistance in ending their lives. Britain's parliament is currently scrutinizing a similar proposal for terminally ill adults in England and Wales, which also needs to undergo detailed legislative processes.

The bill has been passed despite opposition, with a survey revealing that a majority of the Isle of Man Medical Society's members were against it. However, it now awaits Royal Assent from King Charles, marking the final step in its potential enactment.

(With inputs from agencies.)