Assisted suicide would 'irreparably damage' Isle of Man

 (Photo: Getty/iStock)

The Isle of Man is being urged not to introduce assisted suicide after a poll found that islanders are evenly split on the issue. 

The results of the Manx consultation found that 49.61% disagreed with legalising assisted suicide on the island, while 49.01% were in favour of it. 

The consultation asked, "In principle, do you agree or disagree that assisted dying should be permitted for terminally ill adults on the Isle of Man?"

There were 3,326 responses in total, the majority of which came from islanders.

In response to the consultation, Dr Ben Harris, President of the Isle of Man Medical Society and a member of the Manx Duty of Care campaign group, warned that legalising assisted suicide "would irreparably damage our caring Manx society".

"The experience in other jurisdictions has demonstrated there is no safe way to legislate for assisted dying and it should now be dropped completely," he said. 

The campaign for assisted suicide on the Isle of Man is being led by Dr Alex Allinson, who introduced the Private Members' Bill in June last year.

News
The problem with Labour’s Islamophobia definition
The problem with Labour’s Islamophobia definition

Whether it's called Islamophobia or "anti-Muslim hostility", the threat is the same.

Long-term emotional distress persists for women decades after abortion, studies suggest
Long-term emotional distress persists for women decades after abortion, studies suggest

Some women continue to experience emotional distress decades after having an abortion, according to recent research that challenges the assumption that such effects are always short-lived.

Without fuss or fanfare, the local church is stepping in to support the vulnerable
Without fuss or fanfare, the local church is stepping in to support the vulnerable

The role of the Government, and public services, are vital. But we, as the Church, have a key role to play in providing essential, everyday support.