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
Honouring the life and legacy of Dr James Dobson
Honouring the life and legacy of Dr James Dobson

As I reflect upon Dr Dobson’s departure from earth to heaven, I stand to applaud his efforts to live faithfully for the Lord Jesus.

When thoughts speak louder than words: a biblical reflection on telepathy
When thoughts speak louder than words: a biblical reflection on telepathy

Imagine if people could hear your thoughts without you ever saying a word.

Church of England, National Lottery join forces to conserve 'table top' tombs
Church of England, National Lottery join forces to conserve 'table top' tombs

The tombs are named for their design of a flat slab of stone supported by sides of upright legs.

CoE bishop concedes Farage has a point about 'out of touch' leadership
CoE bishop concedes Farage has a point about 'out of touch' leadership

Bishop Martyn Snow said that many Christians are in favour of tighter border controls “not out of hatred but out of sincere concern for social cohesion, pressure on public services and the pace of cultural change in their communities”.