Bid to halt assisted dying debate rejected

Campaigners on both sides of the debate protested outside Tynwald

Manx politicians have voted to reject a bid to delay further debate of assisted dying legislation until the autumn.

Chief Minister Alfred Cannan moved to adjourn the debate, saying members needed to ensure they were creating a "properly regulated and established system".

Alex Allinson MHK opposed the postponement, saying it "would not be fruitful".

Members also backed amendments that created an opt-in system for medics who want to work with - or for - such a service, and ensured the employment rights for conscientious objectors.

'Flawed'

The bill brought forward by Dr Allinson is to introduce legislation that would allow terminally ill patients a right to end their lives.

Mr Cannan told members the regulations for the introduction of an assisted dying service were not in place.

He said: "The flaw in this whole piece of legislation, which I've come to realise in the last few weeks, is that this is not a regulated service, it is not a signposted, regulated service.

"If it were, a lot of the problems that are now being explored - of whether people should declare their conscientious objections, when they should register on lists, when they shouldn't register on lists, would be moot, because the service would be properly regulated."

His position was supported by Onchan MHK Julie Edge, who said the MHKs risked "constructing poor legislation", adding that in her opinion the bill "should have been put in the bin long ago".

'Stalling'

Members who supported the adjournment noted that in Jersey the proposed assisted dying bill has been drafted and moved by the government, allowing greater resources to write the legislation and seek wider consultation.

Middle MHK Jane Poole-Wilson said members should scrutinise the legislation before them, while Douglas North MHK John Wannenburgh said it was a "stalling technique".

The House of Keys will sit again on Wednesday 26 June to continue the clauses stage of the bill.

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