Opposition on assisted dying in Isle of Man

On January 11, Isle of Man Today reported that more than fifty medics get together to say: ‘We don’t want euthanasia’. The campaign comes as a response to the current consultation taking place on the legalisation of assisted dying ahead of new legislation.

Dr Graham McAll, a retired GP, said that the main worry comes from concerns about individuals who are vulnerable. Some of the reasons given against assisted dying in the leaflet include: an increased danger of abuse, societal pressure whereby individuals feel like a burden and the practice causing a change in relationship with doctors.

Dr McAll referred to the cases they hear from Canada. He said these have driven their concern quite a lot. “It’s a complicated issue and many want to understand it better. With so much going on, even many health professionals haven’t had the chance to digest all the evidence from other countries.”