SPUC uses powerful video to resist assisted suicide on the Isle of Man


The debate comes before Tynwald on Tuesday.

SPUC is using the testimony from a severely disabled man to mobilise supporters to resist a move to introduce assisted suicide on the Isle of Man. Dr Mark Blackwell, who has Parkinson’s disease, says "I worry about what would happen to other people if the law was changed."

A motion calling for the introduction of assisted suicide will be brought before Tynwald, the island’s Parliament, on Tuesday 21 January.

Dr Alex Allinson, MHK (Member of the House of Keys) for Ramsey is proposing the motion: "That Tynwald is of the opinion that legislation to allow for voluntary assisted dying should be introduced."

Dr Allinson said if he finds support in Tynwald, he would seek leave in March to introduce a private members’ bill on the "significant social issue", followed by a public consultation in the summer.

SPUC is asking supporters to contact their MHK to express concern at this motion, and to forward to them the video featuring a severely disabled man, Dr Mark Blackwell a former psychiatrist who does not want a change in the law.

Dr Blackwell was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2011. In 2016 he underwent Deep Brain Stimulation surgery to help with the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Immediately after the operation he had a severe stroke leaving the left side of his body paralysed and his speech impaired. He says that at one time he did want to die, but then realised that the really important thing in his life - love - had not changed.

Dr Blackwell is strongly opposed to assisted suicide, saying that he is happy to be alive. "If assisted dying was legalised, it would make me feel like my life and suffering are a waste of time," he says. "It would make me feel I am a burden for Eppie [his wife] and my children. I would lose respect for myself.

"I am lucky," he went on. "I have Eppie and my children to protect me. But I worry about what would happen to other people if the law was changed."

If you live on the Isle of Man, please send this email to your MHKs, and ask others to do the same.

SPUC uses powerful video to resist assisted suicide on the Isle of Man

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