A bill in the Isle of Man, which is seeking to permit assisted dying for those with a prognosis of 12 months or less to live, has been criticised by a Christian palliative care advocate as “dangerous”.

The bill is in its final stages, as an amended version was approved by the House of Keys on Tuesday 25th February.

It would permit individuals over the age of 18 to be medically assisted in ending their life, if a doctor had estimated they have 12 months or less to live. The decision would need to be verified by two independent doctors.

Canon Dr Chris Sudgen told Premier: “My wife is a retired cancer consultant. She insists that medical diagnosis and prognosis is never an accurate science. People live, often far longer than doctors expect them.”

He continued: “Pray that God will move in the hearts of those who are taking these decisions to see that the extreme dangers that they're putting people in.”

The Isle of Man is self-governing, with its own parliament, Twynold. Its assisted dying bill was introduced by for GP Dr Alex Allinson.

Sarah Wootton, chief executive of Dignity in Dying, said: “There is growing recognition across our isles that banning assisted dying causes harm and fails to protect people”, adding that she deems the bill to be "thoughtful and balanced". 

Originally, it stipulated that individuals needed a prognosis of five years or less – but a recent proposal would cut that time to 12 months.

It is also likely to require a person to have lived on the Isle of Man for five years or longer – to avoid people traveling there specifically to die.

If the amended bill is accepted, receives Royal Assent and therefore becomes law, the first assisted death could take place in 2027. Its next debate will be in Twynold's upper chamber on the 11th March. 

The bill is running parallel to the one Kim Leadbeater MP introduced to Westminster. Currently, around 300 amendments are being considered on the Westminster bill.