The Local Switzerland

Switzerland: What is the difference between assisted suicide and euthanasia?

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 14:34:15 +0200

While the terms often are used interchangeably, assisted suicide and euthanasia - and the laws that govern them - are quite different. Here’s what you need to know.

What are Switzerland's new assisted suicide rules?

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 12:45:10 +0200

Swiss medical authorities have put in place new guidelines for the country's assisted suicide providers. Here's what you need to know.

What do Switzerland’s new assisted suicide rules mean for foreigners?

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 15:34:32 +0200

Changes to the guidelines for assisted suicide in Switzerland are likely to have an outsized impact on foreigners. Here’s why.

How do Switzerland's rules on assisted suicide compare across Europe?

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 11:48:40 +0200

As Austria sets out its plan for legalising assisting suicide from 2022 in response to a court ruling, we look at how this compares to other countries' legislation on euthanasia and assisted suicide - including that from Switzerland.

Assisted suicides on the rise in Switzerland

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 21:53:26 +0100

Year on year figures show a slight increase in euthanasia procedures in 2019, with over 1,450 people choosing to end their lives over the calendar year.

David Goodall commits assisted suicide in Switzerland, aged 104: foundation

Thu, 10 May 2018 15:32:03 +0200

A 104-year-old Australian scientist who travelled to Switzerland to end his life committed assisted suicide on Thursday, the foundation which helped him die said.

'I am happy to have the chance to end my life': David Goodall

Wed, 09 May 2018 22:31:08 +0200

The 104-year-old Australian scientist burst into song on Wednesday as he told a roomful of journalists that he was looking forward to finally being allowed to end his life.

Swiss clinic slams Australia over scientist, 104, who wants to die

Sat, 05 May 2018 14:27:52 +0200

A member of a Swiss clinic set to help Australia's oldest scientist end his life has said it is an "atrocity" that Australia had not allowed the 104-year-old to die at home.

Australia's oldest scientist en route to Switzerland to end life

Thu, 03 May 2018 11:18:20 +0200

Australia's oldest scientist, wearing a top labelled "ageing disgracefully", has left the country for Switzerland to end his life at the age of 104, saying he is resentful that he must go overseas to die.

Australia scientist, 104, heads to Switzerland for assisted death

Mon, 30 Apr 2018 12:11:56 +0200

Australia's oldest scientist, who caused a stir when his university tried to vacate his office aged 102, will fly to Switzerland in early May to end his life, reigniting a national euthanasia debate.

Italian DJ dies in Switzerland after government delays on assisted dying law

Mon, 27 Feb 2017 13:02:37 +0100

An Italian DJ has undergone assisted suicide in Switzerland, two days after criticizing Italy's government for postponing debate on living wills legislation.

'Lonely' Italian went to Switzerland to die

Thu, 20 Feb 2014 15:45:00 +0100

An elderly Italian woman missing from her home in the northern Italian city of Vicenza since the end of January had travelled to Switzerland to end her life, Italian media reported.

European court to rule on denial of aided suicide

Tue, 08 Oct 2013 23:38:00 +0200

The top chamber of the European rights court will rule in a case of denial of assisted suicide, it said on Tuesday after a Swiss woman in her 80s complained she could not obtain permission for a lethal dose of a drug to end her life.

Swiss doctor convicted for aiding man’s suicide

Tue, 09 Jul 2013 12:04:00 +0200

A Neuchâtel doctor is considering an appeal after being fined 500 francs ($517) by a local court that found him guilty of helping an 89-year-old patient die without getting a proper diagnosis of the man’s condition.

German euthanasia group moves to Zurich

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 12:26:00 +0200

A German assisted suicide organization said on Friday it had opened an office in Switzerland for fear of possible prosecution at home.

Zurich hosts global dignity in death debate

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 13:46:00 +0200

Groups supporting the right to hasten dying will meet in Zurich this week for a global conference on assisted suicide, reigniting the debate on dignified death.

300 Swiss died by assisted suicide in 2009

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 10:48:00 +0200

Three hundred Swiss residents died in 2009 by assisted suicide, according to the first such official data published by the Swiss Federal Statistics Office on Tuesday.

Swiss canton to vote on assisted suicide

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:21:28 +0100

Council members agreed on Tuesday to back a proposal to legalize euthanasia in nursing homes across the canton of Vaud, as the emotive issue moved a step closer to a popular vote.

Stricter rules for euthanasia rejected

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 17:37:00 +0200

The Swiss government on Wednesday rejected proposals to tighten rules on assisted suicide, saying that they could inadvertently legitimise organisations offering assisted suicide.

Zurich voters reject suicide clinic curbs

Mon, 16 May 2011 13:51:00 +0200

Voters in the Swiss region of Zurich, which has become known as a hub for "death tourism", voted on Sunday against plans to restrict assisted suicide to local residents.