Switzerland is reconsidering its cost management of assisted suicide services in response to a rise in demand, particularly from foreign nationals.

A recent agreement involving the Pegasos organization, a non-profit entity based in Basel that facilitates assisted deaths, marks a significant development in this context.

The total expense of such services can reach up to 10,000 Swiss francs (approximately 11,000 USD), with substantial portions being funded by local authorities within Switzerland's cantons.

The agreement reached in December is pioneering in Switzerland, as it eliminates the necessity for cantonal authorities to appoint medical experts to ascertain the circumstances of death when Pegasos provides documentation confirming the individual's autonomous decision to end their life under prescribed conditions.

In such cases, the body is sent to the Basel forensic medical institute for autopsy.

This change could potentially reduce administrative costs related to these procedures, estimated to decrease between 1,000 and 2,000 Swiss francs per case, according to Pegasos calculations.

While the organization has its own fees, these are typically charged to the user, ultimately placing the financial burden on those choosing the service.

The discussion surrounding the financial aspects of assisted suicide may appear unconventional, especially considering the sensitive nature of the topic.

However, it has become increasingly relevant, given the phenomenon commonly referred to as 'suicide tourism' in Switzerland.

Annually, approximately 1,700 residents, predominantly women, along with about 500 foreign nationals, travel to Switzerland to seek assistance in ending their lives through Pegasos or similar organizations.

Forecasts suggest that the number of assisted suicides may increase significantly in the coming years, with projections indicating it could double by 2035. The financial implications for Swiss cantons are noteworthy; for instance, each foreign-assisted suicide in Solothurn costs the cantonal government around 3,000 Swiss francs, which could be significantly reduced under the new agreement.

The Solothurn model has attracted considerable attention throughout Switzerland since its introduction.

Pegasos has noted that this model may ease the grieving process for families, as they will not be interrupted by the presence of authorities and the conduct of investigations during their time of loss.

In addition to Pegasos, other organizations involved in assisted suicide are advocating for legislative changes, including the possibility of granting a distinct legal status to assisted suicides within the category of unnatural deaths, arguing that peaceful death should not be criminalized, thus reducing the necessity for subsequent official investigations.

Besides Switzerland, Belgium also permits foreigners to engage in assisted suicide, with a significant portion of those utilizing these services being French nationals.