Isle of Man closer to giving patients the option

THE Isle of Man yesterday moved a step closer to passing a law allowing assisted dying for terminally ill residents.

- Hanna Geissler

The island's parliament voted on crucial details of the legislation proposed by Dr Alex Allinson, who represents Ramsey, following a debate lasting several hours.

Members of the House of Keys voted 15 to nine for patients given 12 months or less to live to be eligible for assisted dying.

They also voted 14 to 10 for the option to be available to only those who have been resident in the Isle of Man for at least five years.

Among those campaigning in favour of the Bill yesterday was a woman whose son suffered a "horrific" death from skin cancer.