Autism charity raises concerns over assisted dying bill

The Assisted Dying Bill 2023 is due to have its second reading next week

Suggested safeguards in proposed new assisted dying laws are "vague", a Manx charity has said.

Autism in Mann said the group was "vehemently opposed" to the the Assisted Dying Bill 2023.

It also raised concerns about possible future changes to eligibility criteria.

But Alex Allinson MHK, who brought the bill forward, said there was no provision for it to be extended to people with a disability.

If approved, the legislation would give terminally ill people with less than six months to live the right to end their lives.

'Inevitably widened'

The private members bill, which is due to have its second reading in the House of Keys on 31 October, states any individual "must have capacity" to make the decision.

Two medical practitioners must also be satisfied that the person has been informed of palliative care options and be confident the decision has been reached without coercion.

Founding member of Autism in Mann Alan Desmond said he was worried about what might happen in future if the legislation were to evolve and eligibility criteria were to be "inevitably widened".

He said he feared it would be "a very small step" from the proposed legislation "to a situation whereby medical professionals could advocate ending the life of someone with autism".

Treasurer Kathleen Desmond said the organisation, which is made up of the parents of adults and children with autism, had "grave concerns" as those on the condition's spectrum can be amongst the "most vulnerable members of society".

But Dr Allinson said there was no provision in the proposed legislation for the island for it to be extended to children, to those who are not dying of a terminal illness, or those who have a disability.

The proposed bill would therefore have "no impact" on residents in those positions, he added.

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