Legal suicide in Switzerland. Overview of the procedure, features and nuances

Euthanasia is forbidden in Switzerland. However, a procedure called "assisted suicide" is allowed in the country. It is governed by special laws and regulations. This procedure allows people with an incurable illness or unbearable suffering to ask for help to end their life.

To qualify for assisted suicide in Switzerland, a person must meet certain criteria. He must be of sound mind and have a clear and persistent desire to end his life. In addition, the person must have an incurable illness that causes significant suffering or an incurable disease.

Switzerland does not require a person to be a resident of the country in order to access assisted suicide. This means that people from other countries can come to Switzerland to take advantage of this opportunity. However, each case is carefully reviewed by the organizations that offer this service.

What are the conditions for receiving the service?

There are special conditions for receiving assisted suicide in Switzerland. The person must have the mental capacity to make an informed decision. He must understand the consequences of his choices and have a clear and persistent desire to end his life.

Also, the wishing person must have an incurable medical condition or an incurable disease. This means that the condition cannot be effectively treated or cured. It also causes significant suffering or unbearable pain. This must be evaluated and documented by medical professionals to make sure they are serious.

The decision to assisted suicide must be voluntary and not subject to external pressure or coercion. The person must express his or her desire to end his or her life consistently, over time, demonstrating that it is a well-considered and independent decision.

It is important to note that these criteria may vary somewhat depending on the particular assisted suicide provider. The general principles of sound judgment, incurable condition or terminal illness, significant suffering, voluntary decision and evaluation process are the same throughout Switzerland's approach to assisted suicide.

How does the procedure work?

Several organizations in Switzerland provide assistance with assisted suicide. These organizations require people to undergo a thorough evaluation, which may include medical and psychological evaluations. They also stress the importance of the decision being voluntary and well thought out.

After the assessment process is completed, the chosen organization provides the person with the necessary information and recommendations. This may include the prescription of a lethal drug, which the person must take on his or her own. The actual act of terminating life is done by the individual.

The procedure usually includes steps such as:

• Medical and psychological evaluation;
• Confirmation of the voluntariness of the decision;
• Providing information and guidance about the procedure;
• Writing a prescription is not a drug;
• A Self-Explanatory Introduction;
• Preparation of final documentation;

It is important to note that assisted suicide in Switzerland is not carried out by medical professionals. Instead, these organizations provide the means and support for people to end their own lives. This approach is different from euthanasia, in which the doctor administers a lethal dose of medication.

The cost of assisted suicide in Switzerland can vary depending on the organization and the services provided. As a rule, there are membership fees, consulting fees and additional costs associated with the process. The total cost can range from several hundred to several thousand Swiss francs.

Is suicide legal in Switzerland?

Although assisted suicide is legal in Switzerland, it is important to understand that the topic is complex and emotionally charged. The country has strict precautions and guidelines to ensure that the procedure is ethical and respects the autonomy of the individual.

The Swiss Criminal Code does not criminalize assisted suicide. But only if it is not motivated by self-interest. This means that as long as the act of assisted suicide is not motivated by self-interest, such as financial gain, it is considered legal.

The legality of assisted suicide in Switzerland has been confirmed by several legal precedents and court decisions. The Swiss Federal Court has consistently upheld the right to assisted suicide if certain criteria are met.

Switzerland distinguishes between assisted suicide and euthanasia. Euthanasia, which involves the direct administration of a lethal dose of medicine by a doctor, is not permitted in Switzerland. Assisted suicide involves giving a person the means to end his or her own life, and it is the person who commits this act.