Switzerland
Legal situation
In short
In Switzerland, euthanasia is forbidden by law. This prohibition is based on the Christian values and traditions of the country. At the same time, assisted suicide (as such) is not forbidden. This is based on the liberal values and traditions of the country. Only when a person has selfish reasons to assist a person, the assistant can be punished.
In Switzerland it is also possible to avoid treatment and to receive palliative care, including palliative sedation till the moment of dying.
Penal Code
Article 114 of the Swiss Penal Code prohibits euthanasia.
Article 115 of the Swiss Penal Code determines that when a person has selfish reasons to assist a person, this person can be punished for assisted suicide: Wer aus selbstsüchtigen Beweggründen jemanden zum Selbstmorde verleitet oder ihm dazu Hilfe leistet, wird, wenn der Selbstmord ausgeführt oder versucht wurde, mit Freiheitsstrafe bis zu fünf Jahren oder Geldstrafe88 bestraft.
Help to foreigners
Switzerland is known for its possibilities to help foreigers.
Right to Die Societies in Switzerland
Latest news
Dignitas publishes December 2020 Newsletter
The Swiss member society DIGNITAS – Menschenwürdig leben – Menschenwürdig sterben – published their December 2020 newsletter.
December 10, 2020
DIGNITAS on World Right to Die Day 2020: Lawmakers should respect their citizens’ end-of-life decisions
On this year’s World Right to Die Day, the Swiss member organization DIGNITAS-To live with dignity, To die with dignity- published a press release on
November 2, 2020
Dignitas publishes May 2020 Newsletter
The Swiss member society DIGNITAS published their May 2020 newsletter.
July 1, 2020