My Death, My Decision has welcomed today’s vote in Tynwald to approve amendments to the Assisted Dying Bill, bringing the Island one step closer to becoming the first part of the British Isles to legalise assisted dying.
The amendments were brought forward after the UK Government said further safeguards needed to be made explicit on the face of the Bill before it could be recommended for Royal Assent.
Tynwald approved the amendments by 16 votes to 6 in the House of Keys and 5 votes to 1 in the Legislative Council.
If granted Royal Assent, the Bill would give terminally ill Manx residents, with twelve months or fewer to live, the choice of a safe and compassionate assisted death under strict safeguards. The Bill proposed in Westminster is limited to people with a life expectancy of six months or less.
Vicky Christian, Isle of Man Organiser of My Death, My Decision, said:
“We are delighted that Tynwald has today voted in favour of amendments to the Assisted Dying Bill. Hopefully these amendments meet the requirements for the Bill to receive Royal Assent, after which we will be able to begin planning the organisation of the service, which has the support of so many Island residents.”
The Bill, introduced by Dr Alex Allinson MHK, passed its final stage in Tynwald in March 2025. It will now continue through the Royal Assent process.
The vote comes as momentum for assisted dying reform builds again across the British Isles, with the Westminster Bill now set to return to Parliament after it was blocked in the House of Lords earlier this year.
Notes:
Members of the MDMD team, as well as individuals affected by the current law on assisted dying, are available for interview upon request
For further comment or information, media should contact Kerry Hogan at kerry.hogan@mydeath-mydecision.org.uk or phone 07922363248. (media only)
Media can use the following press images and videos, as long as they are attributed to “My Death, My Decision”.
My Death, My Decision is a grassroots campaign group that wants the law in England and Wales to allow mentally competent adults who are terminally ill or intolerably suffering from an incurable condition the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. With the support of over 3,000 members and supporters, we advocate for an evidence-based law that would balance individual choice alongside robust safeguards and finally give the people of England and Wales choice at the end of their lives.
