Isle of Man doctors reject assisted dying proposals in a survey

The Isle of Man Medical Society received 53 written submissions as part of the survey

Doctors have "overwhelmingly rejected" proposed new assisted dying laws in a new survey, the Isle of Man Medical Society has said.

About 74% of those who responded to the poll asking members for opinions on the Assisted Dying Bill 2023 said they were against the proposed changes.

The poll also found 34% of respondents would consider leaving the island if the new legislation was introduced.

It is due to have its second reading in the House of Keys on 31 October.

A public consultation on the subject earlier this year split opinion.

The bill would allow island residents with a terminal illness the right to die if they had a life expectancy of less than six months.

Impact on staffing levels

There were 108 responses to the society's survey, which was held in August, equating to 61% of the group's members.

The responses were made up of an even-split of hospital and community doctors, with a further 12% of responses from retired or semi-retired doctors.

More than half of the respondents felt any changes could have a negative effect on recruitment and retention.

That could leave "the already parlous state" of staffing levels in island health services on "the point of collapse leading to even greater spending on temporary medical staff", a society spokesman said.

While the majority said they were opposed to the proposals, 19% of members said they would be prepared to take an active role in providing the option to those eligible.

About 55% said they would prefer any protentional system to be operated via the legal system, with court authorised decision-making.

The 53 anonymous written responses to the poll saw a range of opinions voiced both for and against.

While some raised concerns over coercion, the misdiagnosis of terminal conditions and a "watering down of safeguards", another stated that as an "independent nation state" the island "would be in a prime position to offer this much needed service".

Why not follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X? You can also send story ideas to [e-mail]