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Swiss Politicians Battle 'Suicide Tourism'

As Britain eases rules, Switzerland fears rush of ill bent on killing themselves

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 21, 2009 5:10 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Swiss politicians have stepped up efforts to battle "suicide tourism" as British officials prepare to announce new rules expected to make it easier for citizens to cross borders to die, reports the Independent. Some 115 Britons have died at assisted suicide operations run by Dignitas in Switzerland. Assisted suicide is legal in Switzerland under certain conditions. Several doctors, however, question how rigorous the screening process is for Dignitas patients.

A new Swiss initiative proposes banning assisted suicides, while another would require that only Swiss residents be allowed to commit suicide. Dignitas is currently the only Swiss assisted suicide operation that allows foreigners. British officials are expected to make clear in new guidelines Wednesday that relatives helping those committing suicide abroad will not be prosecuted. The move follows a court victory by a multiple sclerosis sufferer seeking protection for her husband in the event of her suicide. Assisted suicide remains illegal in Britain.

British conductor Edward Downes and his wife, Joan, celebrate the birth of their son in 1967. The couple died in July at a Zurich assisted suicide clinic run by the group Dignitas.
British conductor Edward Downes and his wife, Joan, celebrate the birth of their son in 1967. The couple died in July at a Zurich assisted suicide clinic run by the group Dignitas.   (AP Photo/PA, file)
Multiple sclerosis sufferer Debbie Purdy is kissed by her hubby after a British court victory protecting those who assist in suicides.The ruling is expected to trigger new travel to a Swiss clinic.
Multiple sclerosis sufferer Debbie Purdy is kissed by her hubby after a British court victory protecting those who assist in suicides.The ruling is expected to trigger new travel to a Swiss clinic.   (AP Photo/Clive Gee/PA Wire)
This is the house near Zurich, where the organization Dignitas helps people commit suicide.
This is the house near Zurich, where the organization Dignitas helps people commit suicide.   (AP Photo/Keystone, Steffen Schmidt)
Renowned British conductor Edward Downes and his wife have died at an assisted suicide clinic in Switzerland in July.
Renowned British conductor Edward Downes and his wife have died at an assisted suicide clinic in Switzerland in July.   (AP Photo/Bill Cooper/PA Wire)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
Jeebus
Sep 24, 2009 6:30 AM CDT
America has assisted suicide. Unfortunately, you have to murder somebody to qualify for for it.
Janniel
Sep 21, 2009 12:55 PM CDT
It should be our own decision whether to go on suffering, no one else has to live in our body. As the previous poster pointed out, we don't make animals suffer until they die. The reason?...because it is more 'humane' to end their suffering. We should be allowed to do the same for ourselves.
Derni
Sep 21, 2009 12:31 PM CDT
People that are not severely depressed or mentally ill should have control ofver their lives-when will we treat humans with the same compassion we treat injured animals-we can make decisions-life decisions-on our own and accept them-even to end our life of suffering-and don't preach to me about "godf" and religion-adults choosing and making friends with death.

 
suicide • assisted suicide • Switzerland • Dignitas • multiple sclerosis • Britain • clinic

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