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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. 

Schweizerisches Strafgesetzbuch (in German)

Help to foreigners  

Switzerland is known for its possibilities to help foreigers. 

 

Right to Die Societies in Switzerland

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