| Editorial |
| Dear Readers Assisted dying is still prohibited by law in many countries. Free and responsible citizens continue to be patronised and prevented against their will from ending their suffering and life in a manner they personally consider dignified. Relatives and friends who respect the wish of a seriously ill person to die and who give him or her their support are still being treated as criminals.Freedom of choice, self-determination and self-responsibility in life and at life’s end: this is what “DIGNITAS – To live with dignity – To die with dignity” continues to work for internationally; in its political and legal work, in its daily advising of individuals seeking help, and in preparing and providing assisted suicide for suffering individuals who have made a clear and well-considered choice and who are still denied this right in their home country.Feel free to share our newsletter with any other interested parties. You are also welcome to show support for our goals and international activities by joining as a member or by making a donation. The DIGNITAS team |
| Country updates |
| England and Wales The fall of the UK Assisted Dying Bill: How the House of Lords let down the hopes of the nation |
| Estonia The right to self-determination over one’s own end of life |
| France Another chapter in a sad political spectacle |
| Scotland Faith, politics and the defeat of Scotland’s Assisted Dying Bill |
| Inside DIGNITAS |
Review of the year 2025 and outlook for 2026: Working towards good conditions for freedom of choice regarding the end of one’s own life – More countries and more complex medical conditions In 2025, the long-standing legal commitment of the non-profit membership association “DIGNITAS – To live with dignity – To die with dignity” and the political activities for the human right to self-determination regarding one’s own end in life continued. In Switzerland, the association focussed on securing access to voluntary assisted dying for residents of residential homes. Internationally, the association has intensified exchanges and knowledge transfer with organisations and individuals who are committed to freedom of choice and self-determination at the end of life. The comprehensive advisory work for individuals seeking help and suicide attempt prevention remain at the core of DIGNITAS’ activities.You will find more detailled information in our media release of March 18, 2026. |
| Did you know that … |
| … in Switzerland, freedom of choice regarding one’s own end of life is not guaranteed in all homes for the aged and nursing homes? Even those living in a country like Switzerland, where assisted suicide is permitted, cannot assume that they will be allowed to end their suffering and life self-determinedly and professionally accompanied in the place where they live. This is particularly the case if someone lives in a home for the aged or nursing home. If a person lives in such a home which rejects assisted suicide, the fact that they no longer live in their own home greatly limits their autonomy.read more |