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 PegasosHere's a link to AthanasiosNews from Exit International
After a hiatus of more than a year, Exit is pleased to announce and be able to recommend as a new Swiss Option, the Athanasios Association in Basel. The team behind Athanasios are all former Pegasos staff who have broken away to form their new group. Athanasios prides it-self on the highest ethical stand-ards and practice. Athanasios is a breath of fresh air, especially as they:
• Cater to couples
• Cater to elderly people who are not terminally ill
• Offer transparency in all they do
• Undertake to answer emails within 24 hours
• Assign a dedicated counsellor per client
• Offer travel & logistics support
• Offer post-event family counselling
• Are located very close to Basel Euro Airport
• Are committed to working with Exit International
After visiting and meeting with the team in May 2025, we have written a detailed review of the new/ old group in Going to Switzerland: how to plan your final exit.
Here's a link to Exit International's Switzerland Services:
https://www.exitswitzerland.com/
A Swiss Exit via the Sarco!
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!
www.thelastresort.ch/
Editors note: Due to the loss of the group's Executive Director and the confiscation of the Sarco device The Last Resort's operations are on hold. We will update you when more information is available.
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 do-able, 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/
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 PegasosHere's a link to AthanasiosNews from Exit International
After a hiatus of more than a year, Exit is pleased to announce and be able to recommend as a new Swiss Option, the Athanasios Association in Basel. The team behind Athanasios are all former Pegasos staff who have broken away to form their new group. Athanasios prides it-self on the highest ethical stand-ards and practice. Athanasios is a breath of fresh air, especially as they:
• Cater to couples
• Cater to elderly people who are not terminally ill
• Offer transparency in all they do
• Undertake to answer emails within 24 hours
• Assign a dedicated counsellor per client
• Offer travel & logistics support
• Offer post-event family counselling
• Are located very close to Basel Euro Airport
• Are committed to working with Exit International
After visiting and meeting with the team in May 2025, we have written a detailed review of the new/ old group in Going to Switzerland: how to plan your final exit.
Here's a link to Exit International's Switzerland Services:
https://www.exitswitzerland.com/
A Swiss Exit via the Sarco!
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!
www.thelastresort.ch/
Editors note: Due to the loss of the group's Executive Director and the confiscation of the Sarco device The Last Resort's operations are on hold. We will update you when more information is available.
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 do-able, 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/
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
Choice and Dignity, Inc.
PO Box 86886, Tucson, AZ 85754
Phone: 800-811-4112
Email: [email protected]
Website: choiceanddignity.org
Disclaimer:
Choice and Dignity, Inc. provides educational programs and resources related to end-of-life concerns, including deliberate life completion and death with dignity. We do not encourage, promote, or endorse suicide. Our goal is to offer information protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Laws regarding aid in dying vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. It is not the intent of Choice and Dignity, Inc. to violate any applicable laws. We urge individuals to consult with qualified legal or medical professionals for specific advice.
Privacy Policy
© 2025 Choice and Dignity, Inc. All rights reserved. | 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
PO Box 86886, Tucson, AZ 85754
Phone: 800-811-4112
Email: [email protected]
Website: choiceanddignity.org
Disclaimer:
Choice and Dignity, Inc. provides educational programs and resources related to end-of-life concerns, including deliberate life completion and death with dignity. We do not encourage, promote, or endorse suicide. Our goal is to offer information protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Laws regarding aid in dying vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. It is not the intent of Choice and Dignity, Inc. to violate any applicable laws. We urge individuals to consult with qualified legal or medical professionals for specific advice.
Privacy Policy
© 2025 Choice and Dignity, Inc. All rights reserved. | 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.