Isle of Man Legalizes Assisted Dying, England and Wales Delay Implementation to 2029

The Isle of Man becomes the first part of the British Isles to pass assisted dying legislation, while England and Wales face setbacks in advancing their own bill.

The Isle of Man's Assisted Dying Bill has passed its final legislative hurdle and now awaits royal assent, with implementation expected by 2027.
The law in the Isle of Man applies to terminally ill adults with a life expectancy of 12 months or less who have resided on the island for at least five years.
In England and Wales, the Assisted Dying Bill's rollout has been delayed to at least 2029 due to logistical challenges and amendments, including the replacement of High Court oversight with expert panels.
Critics of the England and Wales bill argue that the removal of judicial scrutiny weakens safeguards, raising concerns about risks to vulnerable populations.
Proponents emphasize that the delay is intended to ensure the law is implemented safely and effectively, though concerns remain about potential political risks tied to the next general election.