Bern: The Swiss government has proposed restricting or even banning organized assisted suicide in a bid to cut down on 'suicide tourism.'
Justice Minister Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf says the cabinet wants groups that help people commit suicide — like Dignitas — to follow strict guidelines or risk prosecution. The new rules include requiring patients to obtain two medical opinions proving their illness is incurable and likely fatal within months.
Widmer-Schlumpf said Wednesday the measures would prevent groups from helping people commit suicide within just a few days.
A second proposal would ban organized assisted suicide completely.
The proposals are open for public comment until March 1, after which the government will send a draft law to parliament.
Bureau Report
First Published: Thursday, October 29, 2009, 09:53