Swiss Exit Organizations


​Swiss law tolerates assisted suicide when patients commit the act themselves and assisting persons have no benefit from their death (Article 115 of the Swiss Criminal Code). Some Swiss cantons have additional regulations by permitting or prohibiting assisted suicide in care homes or hospitals.
Foreign journalists often make the mistake of asserting that direct euthanasia is allowed in Switzerland, which is not true.
The costs for an assisted suicide can amount up to CHF 4000 for Swiss residents and up to CHF 10,000 for foreigners, considering that a team of two doctors and two assisting persons is involved and a clinic room is required. (Editor's Note: Figure $20 grand or more these days including airfare and hotels.) Included are also the costs for the preliminary contact with the patient and his family doctor and for the assessment of the patient’s medical history. A person from abroad must expect to stay in Switzerland for a week or more before an assisted suicide can happen. 
The organization offering suicide assistance provides the necessary medication, a fast-acting barbiturate (usually sodium pentobarbital). The patient can either drink it or have it administered by an intravenous drip (if the patient activates the injection himself). Falling asleep occurs within a few minutes, death usually follows within half an hour. Once death has occurred, the Swiss police have to be notified, which is required by Swiss law.
Here’s a link to Dignitas        Here’s a link to Pegasos
Great News for Those Considering a Swiss Exit!
Here's a link to an exciting new organization called The Last Resort. They offer a nitrogen induced death via a sleek capsule like device called the Sarco. It is free of charge.  No needles, no foul tasting liquids!
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www.thelastresort.ch/


Dementia impact for Switzerland
From Dignitas's Death Prep Handbook:
  “In conclusion, in Switzerland, assisted/accompanied suicide – also for patients suffering from psychiatric ailments, as long as they do not lack capacity of judgment – basically has been possible since 1942, even though there is no special law/act, regulating the details of such procedure, such as it is the case for example in The Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Canada, New Zealand and several US- and Australia states. “
Here's a link about the basics of their assisted suicide service:
http://www.dignitas.ch/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=20&Itemid=60&lang=en
 
Here's a link to a page describing the case of someone who had severe dementia but was able to have euthanasia based on an advance directive.
http://www.dignitas.ch/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=132&Itemid=228&lang=en
 
So, it appears to be doable, but the process is complex. You would be well-advised to have someone with experience helping you through the maze.
Also, don’t delay. If you are too far gone, you are unlikely to be able to do a Swiss Exit.
Here's a link to Exit International's Switzerland Services:
https://www.exitswitzerland.com/
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Stories about Going to Switzerland

​IN LOVE by Amy Bloom. A memoir of Marriage and Loss.

Films about Going to Switzerland

A Short Stay in Switzerland