Q&A
If you have questions about the state of the law on assisted dying/ suicide in Switzerland, or the processes involved, or on the different service providers, then you have come to the right place.
The Last Resort is pleased to offer a free Q&A online service, and you do not need to be a Member to submit your questions and queries.
A Word of Warning
This Q&A Service only relates to questions about assisted dying in Switzerland. We will not post or respond to questions on other issues, eg. drugs.
Questions & Answers
Questions can be submitted in the Comment Box below. All questions will be moderated prior to being answered. Welcome.
The Last Resort & Sarco
Is Assisted Dying lawful in Switzerland?
Yes. Under Swiss law, assisted dying is lawful if the person who wants assistance to die possesses decision-making capacity and has ‘control’ over his/her death and the motives of those assisting are not selfish.
Has has the Sarco been tested so far?
Dear Louise,
Thank you for your questions.
To date the Sarco has been tested over a period of 11+ months using various instrumentation. For ethical reasons, no animals or humans have ever been involved in testing. However Philip Nitschke has experienced the Sarco process while inside the capsule but he wore an oxygen mask (in order not to die before his time). We do not believe that the Sarco is claustrophobic, as it has a huge window and visual access to the outside world. We hope this answers your question.
I am a citizen of India aged 41. Do I need to be a sick person to get assisted dying in Switzerland? and what age do I need to get assisted dying? What visa should I apply get to Switzerland
Dear Laks,
Under Swiss law a person does not need to sick to get help to die in Switzerland. HOWEVER, and with exception of The Last Resort, a doctor is required to write a prescription for pentobarbital. A doctor is unlikely to risk their medical registration by writing a script for a person who is not sick. Therein lies the dilemma. Swiss clinics usually concern themselves with older people only. TLR cannot comment on visa requirements.
Re. Foreigners – Can you apply to more than one organisation at once?
Dear Hayden
A foreigner can apply to more than one organisation but this will be a very expensive affair with deposits of CHF4000-5000 required per clinic. Generally speaking, these application fees are non refundable when you are not accepted for an assisted suicide.
I am elderly but healthy. I would like to have an assisted death using the Sarco if I am at some point diagnosed with dementia. But I am worried about timing. If a have mild symptoms, seems like I could be judged to be of sound enough mind to make the decision, but not yet sick enough to be permitted to die. If I wait til my condition has deteriorated enough for me to qualify on the basis of illness, I might not qualify as being of sound enough mind to consent to assisted suicide. What is a good way to handle this?
Hi Susanne,
While not commenting on specifics, people with early dementia can still get help to die in Switzerland. However, in all cases a mental capacity assessment by a psychiatrist is required. You can have dementia and retain your mental capacity. The tragedy is that one should not leave it so long that capacity is lost, albeit inadvertently.
Are “Pegasos”
and
“The Last Resort”
2 different organizations???
I thought they worked together. Made a Donation to Pegasos.
I am confused.
Katharina
Hi Katharina,
The Last Resort is a new organisation in Switzerland (founded July 2024) that will be offering the Sarco device. Pegasos was founded in 2019 by Ruedi Habegger (the brother of Erika Preisig at Lifecircle). While there were initial plans for the Sarco a) to be called the Pegasos and b) used at Pegasos. Mr Habegger and Dr Philip Nitschke have since gone their separate ways with Habegger taking a set against the Sarco which is free for cost and drug-free.
Please can you tell me how much it costs for a uk citizen to have an assisted death in Switzerland?
Thank you
Dear Karen,
The cost of an assisted suicide in Switzerland at one of the traditional clinics is upward of CHF11,000. The Last Resort seeks to offer a free service with the Sarco (although some costs are unavoidable, eg. CHF18 for the nitrogen which is used in the Sarco and around CHF800-2000 for body removal, cremation, ashes. The exact amount depends on the Canton in question). We hope this helps.
When the Sarco be available for dying, and how do we make an application to use it.
Dear Peter,
The Sarco is available for use now and The Last Resort is continuing its ongoing work with a short-list of 7 listed candidates. TLR expects to be in a position to accept expressions of interest in the coming weeks.
I have 2 types of cancer, but I am enjoying a full and fit life. My question is this: If I prepare everything now that would allow me to take advantage of assisted dying should life become unbearable at some point in the future, will I have to repeat any or all of the administrative work at that time? It could be many years from now. Basically, I would like to arrange everything now even if I don’t need the service for years, or never.
Dear John
It is advisable to only apply for an assisted suicide in Switzerland when the need arises. This is because the document list is exhaustive and many of these documents have time-sensitive criteria (eg. reissued within the last 6 months). If you apply earlier than needed, you may find that you are doubling your administrative load.
Will Sarco be legalized or not in Switzerland?
If yes, when?
Hallo Jane
Despite some misinformation in the media, TLR legal advice is that there are no legal impediments to the use of the Sarco in Switzerland. Sarco has not been banned. This is fake news.
If I intend to end my own life in Switzerland, can I travel to the country on my own or must I have a companion with me?
Hallo Patrick
Once accepted for an accompanied suicide in Switzerland one can travel alone, or with family and friends. The choice is up to you.
How can someone from America, sign up for assisted dying in Switzerland?
Hi Dee, please see the FAQs and the apply link at: https://www.thelastresort.ch/support/apply/
What Swiss medical and legal requirements must be met in advance by persons traveling to Switzerland for aid in dying?
Dear Ron, your questions are best answered at the Apply link at: https://www.thelastresort.ch/support/apply/
I’ve always felt (for me) 75 yrs is a good life. I’m 77 in good health have family, friends but beginning to see where this is going.. down hill only. I’m not interested in that particular journey. Is that enuf for lawful end in Switzerland? (Sigh)
Dear Judy,
Technically (and legally) you can be helped to die in Switzerland even though you are not sick (only old :-). However, the challenge will always be finding a doctor who is prepared to prescribe pentobarbital to you. The Last Resort may be able to help you as the Sarco is drug free, and does not require a prescription for lethal drugs. That said, one would need a psychiatric assessment all the same.
Just wanted to thank you, Dr Nitschke, for giving us this forum. Most of my immediate questions have been answered above.
You are very welcome 🙂
I have several medical conditions, and a DNAR and Advance Directive in the UK. I discussed assisted dying with my Doctor who said in the UK it is very difficult to gain permission ,,,the Practice has to have a joint meeting and it is unlikely permission would be granted . I do not have the courage to commit suicide and would prefer to die with dignity before any of my medical conditions worsen. How do you go about planning for a trip to switzerland please ?
Dear Sandra, thank you for your message. The Apply link is now live at: https://www.thelastresort.ch/support/apply/ We hope this helps with your questions.
I have applied/paid for Exit’s Swiss Application Assistance Program.
Does TLR offer this type of service?
I have not applied to Pegasos yet.
Is TLR in any way connected to Exit International and if so, how?
Thank you
Dear Jeanne, Thank you for your message. TLR is the only organisation that Exit is now working with. If you have a look at the application process you will find it quite simple, and an AAP program is not needed. That said we are always here to help. Just use the Contact Us page on this website. Kind regards Jo
Dr.Nitschke …: I’m ‘with’ Janine M in appreciating, hugely, this chance to ask direct/relevant questions re..: V.A.D. (I was disappointed/very sorry , to say the least ,in Sean being arrested ! ). Is it still possible now, to have the option of asking, when I’ve committed to the V.A.D. to have confirmation from ‘Pegasos’, or “Exit International” as to what will be ideal documents to bring with me. Travelling from Sydney,NSW, it makes sense to know what to bring to have a better chance of having the V.A.D approved. (I see now ,it’s more practical to really be asking all this, much closer to the date I’d be leaving Sydney, for Switzerland !.) The situation/’legalities’ on your ‘Organisation’, seems to be ever changing!? I’m a member of “Exit”…..confident full cooperation/and correct and relevant answers would be provided. (One last one..: is it the best option to just direct any/all relevant questions, to “Exit International” ..”Exit” probably having ALL information we’d need ,before travelling to Switzerland ?) Regards and thanks again. Chris (Membership Number..: …only provide this if it’s helpful in any way !) P.S. Please only reply when time allows..I’d imagine you’re ‘flat chat’ with enquiries, always !!
Dear Chris, the Apply link is now live on the TLR website at: https://www.thelastresort.ch/support/apply/ This explains the documents one needs. And please note, Exit no longer works with other Swiss groups. Philip remains grateful for your support and goodwill.
I am an advocate of being able to end one’s life with choice and dignity and have left a bequest in my will to “Exit International” Is that still you or will I have to change my bequest?
Hi Jan, thank you for your message and good will. Yes Exit International is the Australian non-profit oraganisation that created the Sarco. The Sarco project was made possible by bequests from people such as yourself. In the US, Exit has a 501(c)3 non profit which has full tax deductability status. See exitgeneration.org Note – neither of these organisations are directly linked to The Last Resort.
I’m just trying to catch up
So you say Sacco is drug free and only nitrogen inhalation is used is that correct?
Thank you for offering such a useful and important Service
Hi Kim, thank you for your kind words.
Hello, I am a 1,87 m tall. I guess I would fit in the Sarco ?
Hi Gaetan, we believe that you would (just) fit the Sarco. We hope this helps.
Hi I am an elderly with chronic fatigue, tinnitus, insomnia, sinusitis and loss of smell and hearing.
How can I apply for end of life in Switzerland?
Hallo Inna, The Last Resort will shortly be opening our online expressions of interest page. Please continue to watch the site in the coming days. Thank you.
Under a non-medicalized model for VAD, is providing an extensive health and medical history still a requirement for the application process?
Dear FP, the exact medical details required vary from canton to canton in terms of detail. The short answer is it varies. We hope this helps.
Hi. A follow up to Judy’s question. Can the psychiatrist evaluation be done before paying for the assisted suicide? Also what is the minimum time possible between starting to make arrangements with a Swiss clinic and the date of the procedure. (Asked by psychologically sound 71 year old). Lastly what is the best estimate for when the sarcos will be available? Thank you.
Dear John,
These are good questions. Please send us an email so we may reply to you personally.
I’m looking forward to the opening of your online expressions of interest page soon so that I can sign up for your service.
1. What is the time frame between application and the actual death?
2. Do you require the same documents as the other Swiss clinics? And do the documents have to be issued within the past 6 months prior to my application?
3. Where would the Sarco death take place?
4. Would you post a recorded video of one of the upcoming Sarco deaths after it happened please? Of course, with the consent from all parties involved.
5. What would be the possibility of failure using the Sarco to die? I just need certainty. Thanks.
Hello Rosemary, the system will be open any day now. Stand by.
The Sarco is housed in a beautiful location in the Swiss countryside. The timeframe depends on the complexity of the person’s situation. The documents required vary from canton to canton. A video of a death will not be posted as it could be misused by nefarious others. The Sarco has been extensively tested to ensure that it will not fail. We suggest instead that you trust the science.
I’m from the US. I’m 44 years old. I’m mentally competent and deal with chronic pain that I could explain more in depth privately. I have medical records to show this. Would I be able to express interest in this when TLR website is ready for that?
Dear ND,
The Last Resort fully respects that illness has no age barriers. You should maybe submit your details once the online application process is live in the coming days. We hope this helps.
Many thanks for your response to my previous questions.
You said the documents required vary from canton to canton. Who would decide which canton to be the venue for the death? Thanks.
Hi Rosemary, the Canton will be chosen in consultation with TLR.
Once we submit our application with all the required documents, can you explain the next steps?
Are there further evaluations, etc?
I understand you can greenlight your application if you are successfully accepted. How long would that “greenlight” be good for?
Dear Steven, once all required documents and your application are submitted, your application will be reviewed and we will be in touch with you. We hope this helps.
What is the time line after arriving in Switzerland ?
Would you have to find accommodation for weeks or months?
Are any assessments done online before arrival?
Hi Tony,
Most accompanied suicide organisations require the client to arrive a few days before chosen day. So no, not weeks and not months.
I’m from Australia. Would the psychiatric assessment be done in Switzerland? Can arrangements be made for my body to be returned to Australia?
Dear Jennifer, it is preferred that an initial mental health assessment is conducted by your treating doctor (if you have one). Body repatriation is possible but it is very expensive. This is why most people are cremated.
HI there, I live in South Africa and would like to make use of the Sarco to die. I do not have the finances to go to Switzerland for a peaceful death. The ZAR (South African Rand) is ZAR1.00 = Swiss France 20.98. I will need more than R200,000 plus to go to Switzerland. Is there any possibility that the Sarco will be available in South Africa soon?
Hi Amanda, thank you for your question. We are sorry the Sarco is not available in Sth Africa. This is because assisted suicide is illegal in your country. Just ask Sean Davison who found that out the hard way.