April 27, 2024

SWISS TO KEEP ASSISTED SUICIDE

The Swiss government has declared that it has no intention of reining in “suicide tourism”. Pressure had been mounting for tighter controls on assisted suicide because several organisations, such as Dignitas and Exit, are helping scores of Swiss and visiting foreigners to kill themselves. However Justice Minister Christoph Blocher says that new legislation is not needed and that the Swiss cabinet would not consider outlawing assisted suicide. Closer monitoring of suicide organisations was also ruled out because too much bureaucracy would be involved and because it would legitimise existing groups.