The key facts

  • The assisted dying law on the Isle of Man has received Royal Assent
  • The right applies to adults who have lived on the island for at least five years, with a terminal illness and a life expectancy of up to 12 months
  • The Manx Duty of Care group said the law violates the European Convention on Human Rights and called for it to be repealed

Royal Assent received

The assisted dying bill on the Isle of Man has received Royal Assent, BBC News reports. The island became the first place in the British Isles to pass an assisted dying law — this happened in March 2025, but amendments were required before Royal Assent could be granted. A similar bill in Jersey received Royal Assent in July of this year.

Conditions of the law

The law will allow adults who have lived on the island for at least five years and who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness with a life expectancy of 12 months or less to request an assisted death. According to the group Dignity in Dying, every request will undergo strict eligibility assessment, medical oversight and an independent review after death.

Reaction of supporters

The group Dignity in Dying called the event a tribute to the families of islanders who had campaigned for years to change the law. Its chief executive Sarah Wootton said: 'Today is a historic and deeply emotional day for the Isle of Man, and above all for the families who made this happen', adding that dying residents of the island will now 'not be left alone with pain, fear or desperate alternatives'. The bill's author, former Member of the House of Keys for Ramsey Alex Allinson, called the law the result of decades of campaigning for greater choice, compassion and dignity for people with terminal illnesses. Former Environment Minister Clare Barber, who supported the bill, noted that as a nurse she considers the concept of a 'good death' extremely important, and that the law 'does not remove the need for palliative care, but complements it'.

Reaction of opponents

The Manx Duty of Care group said it was 'deeply disappointed' by the decision and called on the new members of Tynwald to 'immediately introduce a repeal bill'. In the group's view, the law 'clearly violates the European Convention on Human Rights, the Isle of Man's NHS Act and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities'.

A blue campaign for dignity in dying sign on the left, next to a do no harm, vote no sign on the right.
Image caption,

Groups have welcomed the announcement after years of campaigning

Sarah Wootten is wearing a white shirt, cream coat, and beige hat. She has shoulder length blonde hair and is standing in front of campaigners outside Tynwald with Dignity in Dying placards.
Image caption,

Sarah Wootten is the Dignity in Dying group's chief executive

Campaigners with placards for and against the Assisted Dying Bill gather outside the Isle of Man's white parliament building.Someone clasps hands around another person's hands, someone wears a blue jumper.