VAD megathread (Voluntary Assisted Suicide)

[befree]

VAD megathread (Voluntary Assisted Suicide)


Because there are too many single threads on this topic, I´m combining all threads into one new megathread for a better overview.

I have helped people with the VAD application for many years (free of charge) and know all the associations and how they work.


Currently existing VAD associations in Switzerland​

Dignitas http://www.dignitas.ch/?lang=en
Pegasos https://pegasos-association.com/
Exit (not Exit International) https://www.exit.ch/en/englisch/engagement-of-exit/our-end-of-life-care/
Ex-International http://www.exinternational.ch/
Eternal Spirit https://www.eternalspirit.ch/en/
Lifecircle https://www.lifecircle.ch/en/?no_cache=1
Verein Sterbehilfe https://www.sterbehilfe.de/

These associations accept applications from foreigners​

Dignitas
Pegasos in cooperation with Exit International*
Ex-International
Lifecircle
Eternal Spirit in cooperation with Lifecircle

Lifecircle is no longer accepting new members. So only VAD applications from existing members will be accepted.

* Pegasos cooperates with Exit International. Exit International offers a "Identification Assistance Program".
An Exit International member accompanies the person to the VAD appointment to identify the body after death. For this service Exit International charges CHF1.750,-. Furthermore Exit International helps you with the application. Also this service costs CHF1.750,-.

Currently existing VAD association in Germany​

Verein Sterbehilfe (For German citizen only. Office in Hamburg, Germany and Zuerich, Switzerland) https://www.sterbehilfe.de/

There are also independent suicide assistents in Germany.

Other European countries where assistet suicide is possible​

In these European countries, a doctor can prescribe a lethal drug if certain legal conditions are met:

Netherlands, Belgium Luxembourg, Austria, Spain

Requirements for Switzerland​

There are 3 cathegories:

1. completed life - no medical records required (because you are a healthy person at a certain age)
2. physical illness - medical records and exact dignosis required
3. mental illness - medical records and opinion of an independent Swiss psychiatrist required - very long process + higher costs - very low chance

Terminal illness does not mean you will die. It can be any physical illness that you suffer from.

Mental illness is very complex. You can have depression for years, but be mentally healthy enough to be judgmental.

For the VAD application you need​

- exact diagnosis - It´s not enough to name symptoms (e.g. my joints hurt, I can´t sleep, my stomache hurts...).
- medical records chronologically from the beginning until today
- laboratory results
- X-rays
- certificates
- records of previous therapies
- passport
- re-issued birth certificate, not older than 6 months
- a person who will accompany you to Switzerland to identify you after death
- CHF10.000,- + travel expenses + costs for psychiatrist in Switzerland / travel expenses (if applicable)
Ex-International: CHF8.500,- / Exit: Swiss citizen 50+ only, lower costs.


Questions:

Do you know the reason for your illness ?
Did something happen ?
Was there an accident ?
Why don't you feel good ?
What symptoms do you have ?
How does your illness affect your daily life?

Were previous therapies successful ?
Have the symptoms improved ?
Has the condition worsened ?
What is the prognosis according to the doctor ?
Are there further therapies available ?
Are there any therapies you have refused or could not pay for?
Are you able to work?

Write the answers to these questions in your application (if applicable).

If you are unsure whether your application would be accepted, email the association before you send in your application. When you send in the application, you have to pay the deposit !

Ask in a few words: I suffer from the diagnosis XXXXXXX (the exact diagnosis, not only symptoms !).

Could you please let me know if I would have a chance to be accepted for VAD in general ?

Do not write too much. Ask all your questions in one mail.

The answer you get is not an approval ! Your application can still be rejected !

Costs​

The VAD costs include:

processing of your application
costs for doctors and lawyers
costs for administration and staff
Pentobarbital
authorities
police
cremation
shipping of the urn worldwide

Before you decide to apply, ask yourself​

Have I read all the information on the websites of the 6 Swiss associations carefully and do I understand everything ?
Do I have a real chance to qualify ?
Do I have the money (minimum CHF10.000,-) ?
Can I afford to lose at least CHF1.500,- of the deposit if I get rejected ?
Would I be willing and able to travel to Switzerland for an expert opinion that would cost additional CHF1.000,-+ travel expenses?
Do I have all the required documents and medical records ?
Do I have someone to accompany me to identify me after death ?
Will I be able to travel to the VAD appointment ?



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Related threads:

https://sanctioned-suicide.net/threads/a-forum-for-discussing-the-swiss-option.127310/

Assisted suicide, VAD, Pegasos, Dignitas...

Just had a look at the Exit International website. Yearly membership means you can ask Exit to help with a VAD application to any Swiss organisation. You pay 1200USD on top of membership for this. Lifetime membership is necessary if you want somebody from Exit to identify you after death. You...

sanctioned-suicide.net

Information about end of life clinic

Hi all ...Is there anyone from Switzerland here ?

sanctioned-suicide.net

Suicide in Switzerland?

Just saw this story in the NYTimes this morning: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/18/obituaries/norah-vincent-dead.html?smid=tw-share Assisted suicide in Switzerland. This is a thing you can do for depression? I had no idea. Time to re-up that passport.

sanctioned-suicide.net

https://sanctioned-suicide.net/threads/pegasos.121827/#post-2081192
https://sanctioned-suicide.net/thre...o-accompany-me-to-pegasos.98739/#post-1714349
https://sanctioned-suicide.net/threads/anyone-has-a-greenlight-from-swiss-vad.111730/
https://sanctioned-suicide.net/threads/lottery-system-to-support-swiss-vad.110426/
https://sanctioned-suicide.net/threads/vad-witness-for-switzerland-offers.105331/
https://sanctioned-suicide.net/threads/indentification-after-vad-in-switzerland.129836/

 

[doneforlife]

If the cost is somewhat under control and no medical intervention is there, I guess sarco will be a better alternative to this.

Completed life has eluded me. I don't understand it's terms and conditions. Is it an age in specific that is the boundary condition? I am aware of David Goodall to be the only case of having no illness and granted VAD. So I guess the criteria may be above 100 years of age.

 

[GasMonkey]

I guess sarco will be a better alternative to this.

Yeah the Sarco it's gonna be a total game-changer. I wonder which of those associations will be the first one to implement it.

 

[doneforlife]

Yeah the Sarco it's gonna be a total game-changer. I wonder which of those associations will be the first one to implement it.

Pegasos or Exit may be. But I am afraid nitrogen might become illegal substance post Sarco.

 

[befree]

copied from related thread:

Do I have to undergo all the tests in Switzerland again for the x rays , MRI reports etc.?

If you don´t have the required medical records, lab tests...etc. you would have to get them in your country, not in Switzerland.

If yes , does the service cost cover it ?

No, of course not. You or your health insurance would have to pay for it in your country. Please read "The VAD costs include" in the new megathread.

Will Pegasos help in accelerating the testing ? Do they have any tie up with hospitals

Both no. And there is not only Pegasos in Switzerland. You can find the list of all VAD associations in the new megathread.

 

[rationaltake]

Thanks @befree for all the information. I find your posts very useful.

Completed life has eluded me. I don't understand it's terms and conditions. Is it an age in specific that is the boundary condition? I am aware of David Goodall to be the only case of having no illness and granted VAD. So I guess the criteria may be above 100 years of age.

I was wondering about completed life but you may be right about the age limit. In which case it's not much use!

 

[doneforlife]

Thanks @befree for all the information. I find your posts very useful.



I was wondering about completed life but you may be right about the age limit. In which case it's not much use!

Exactly.

 

[befree]

Yes the age can be confusing. At what age can a person say he is finished with life? Since each application is decided on a case-by-case basis, no one can give an exact answer. If we look at the Norah Vincent case, even there, you can't understand why this person was approved at that age just for depression. And there was also another case with 2 younger women who were approved. I also wonder if these people had a person (friends or family) who accompanied the persons and identified them after death, as required by Swiss law.

 

[befree]

interesting videos:

Dignitas:



Lifecircle:

„Wir fahren jetzt zum Sterben nach Liestal“

Das deutsche Ehepaar Emanoila und Johann Seitz nahm in der Schweiz Sterbehilfe in Anspruch. Unser TV-Team hat sie auf ihren eigenen Wunsch mit der Kamera begleitet. Bis zum Ende. Wie und warum wir das taten? Addendum-Reporter Andreas Wetz über seine Motivation und ethische Grundfragen.

www.addendum.org

 

[Captive_Mind515]

Terry Pratchett did such a great job on that documentary. It was raw, but yet still very classy and respectful at the same time.

 

[befree]

News from Switzerland

regarding Lifecircle / Eternal Spirit:

Top court eases burden of proof for assisted suicide for mentally ill

The Swiss Federal Supreme Court has acquitted a doctor who helped a woman commit assisted suicide even in the absence of a psychiatric report.

www.swissinfo.ch

background:

Sterbehelferin Erika Preisig wegen Medikament-Verstössen verurteilt

Die Sterbehelferin Erika Preisig ist am Dienstag wegen Verstössen gegen das Heilmittelrecht zu 15 Monaten und 20’000 Franken Busse verurteilt worden. Vom Vorwurf der Tötung hat sie das Baselbieter Strafgericht freigesprochen. Die Freiheitsstrafe sprach das Gericht in Muttenz bedingt auf vier...

www.swissinfo.ch

interview Oct. 2021:

‘I don’t want to kill anybody’

Erika Preisig, doctor and president of assisted suicide organisation Lifecircle, has been helping patients, including foreigners, to die.

www.swissinfo.ch

 

[befree]

Foreigners fret over stricter Swiss rules on assisted suicide

The Swiss Medical Association has issued a new rule on assisted suicide that may make access more difficult, sparking concern around the world.

www.swissinfo.ch

Assisted suicide numbers rose in Switzerland last year

The Swiss assisted suicide organisation EXIT helped a total of 1,125 people end their lives in 2022, up 15% on the previous year, it says.

www.swissinfo.ch

Membership in Swiss assisted-suicide organisations reaches record high

A growing number of people are choosing to join assisted-suicide organisations in Switzerland. One of the factors is the aging society.

www.swissinfo.ch

Dignitas founder Ludwig Minelli: ‘We should have the freedom to choose how we die’

The 90-year-old Swiss lawyer says assisted dying should be available to almost everyone.

www.swissinfo.ch

First assisted suicide by Swiss prison inmate

A Swiss prison inmate has reportedly ended his life with the help of an assisted suicide organisation.

www.swissinfo.ch

The global fight for assisted suicide

Swiss right-to-die organisations are politically and legally active abroad in a drive to legalise assisted suicide worldwide.

www.swissinfo.ch

Swiss advocate calls for global recognition of assisted suicide

Switzerland is one of a few countries where assisted suicide is allowed. Many people come to the alpine nation to die because organizations like lifecircle are willing to assist them, since assisted suicide is not illegal here. Erika Preisig, President of lifecircle, believes if every country...

www.swissinfo.ch

Why this Swiss doctor supports assisted suicide

Podcast: Every year, over 1,000 seriously ill people end their lives in Switzerland with the help of suicide assistants.

www.swissinfo.ch

Yoshi travels from Japan to Switzerland to die

A Japanese man came all the way to Switzerland to die. SWI swissinfo.ch accompanied him on the final part of his journey. This is his story.

www.swissinfo.ch

Finding life in the face of death: A Japanese woman’s emotional journey

Aina, a Japanese woman with a rare neurological disorder, came to Basel to die. The journey made her question her motivation.

www.swissinfo.ch

Why these Japanese patients wanted to die in Switzerland

In our podcast series on assisted suicide, we hear what it was like to accompany two people who came to Switzerland to die.

www.swissinfo.ch

Prosecutors target Swiss euthanasia doctor again

The former vice-president of euthanasia organisation Exit faces another potential court appearance after providing lethal drugs to a woman.

www.swissinfo.ch

 

[befree]

Assisted suicide in the Netherlands

In Netherlands, where euthanasia is legal, assisted suicide still taboo

Twenty years after their country became the first in the world to let patients end their life under the care of a doctor, Dutch right-to-die activists lost a legal challenge to broaden the law.

www.courthousenews.com

Euthanasia in the Netherlands - Alliance VITA

www.alliancevita.org

Is euthanasia allowed in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands euthanasia (termination of life on request) and assisted suicide are prohibited under articles 293 and 294 of the Dutch Criminal Code. In the Dutch Euthanasia Act an exception has been made for physicians: euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide performed by a physician who...

www.government.nl

Netherlands to broaden euthanasia rules to cover children of all ages

New regulations will apply to those aged one to 12 who suffer unbearably and have no hope of improvement

www.theguardian.com

Some Dutch people seeking euthanasia cite autism or intellectual disabilities, researchers say

Several people with autism and intellectual disabilities have been legally euthanized in the Netherlands in recent years because they said they could not lead normal lives.

apnews.com

Frontiers | Physician Assisted Death for Psychiatric Suffering: Experiences in the Netherlands

Physician assisted death (PAD) for patients with a psychiatric disorder is a controversial topic of increasing relevance, since a growing number of countries...

www.frontiersin.org

 

[bluebirds]

@befree , I am extremely serious about doing VAD asap, I've been waiting for over seven years, I found out about this forum three months ago and I would really appreciate your help. I suffer unbearable pain, plus I have no one, so my choice is very clear and has never changed for seven years, my physical pain increases to the worse every single year. I am now at an extremely torturous point, I dont know how to apply, or what to write in the email, I dont want to be rejected, this is my only hope. Can you please help me ? I also have the money saved for it, so even if the expenses increases, I am ready for this.

 

[benzol]

@befree, thank you very much for your compilation and all the news you have gathered.
I have seen that you have a lots of knowledge with the different organizations in Switzerland.
I am currently thinking about applying and I have seen some advice from you in other threats. I have a concrete question about one organization which I wanted to use until now, but I read some negative feedback from you in some recent posts. I dont want to name the organization here because they might read it. So, if you would have the time to message me as well, I would be very thankful for that.
Thanks a lot

 

[befree]

All associations read this forum. I know this 100% for sure. Therefore, I don´t recommend posting personal details in the forum.

I dont know how to apply, or what to write in the email,

This is the reason why I made this thread. It provides all the information for a first email (if necessary), regarding all the requirements and for the application.

 

[befree]

I have a concrete question about one organization which I wanted to use until now, but I read some negative feedback from you in some recent posts. I dont want to name the organization here because they might read it. So, if you would have the time to message me as well, I would be very thankful for that.
Thanks a lot

I know which association you are talking about, Pegasos. I liked them at the beginning, when they started their business. They were different from the other associations and more liberal. But over the years, they've changed a lot. They have become very unreliable and often do not respond to emails.

One point I particularly dislike is the cooperation with Exit International. I have written above how this cooperation works. To me, this cooperation and the new book ("Going to Switzerland") seem like making more money and raising hope.

To me, such a concept no longer seems like a VOLANTARY Assisted Death, but more like a profit-oriented business concept !

---

I already explained why I don´t help SS members with the application anymore.

It was becomming a fulltime job. And after weeks or months of correspondence and more than 500 PM´s many members changed their mind,
told me they don´t have the money for VAD, don´t have the required documents and medical records or they are afraid of dying...etc.

But I´m willing to answer general questions in this thread.

 

[winterparty]

Pegasos won't answer me for some reason. I've even made a new birth certficiate and told them about it.

 

[Larysa]

Thanks for this thread, @befree.

I have some liver damage and have started drinking again. I know that liver failure is a horrible way to die, but could it allow access to VAD?

I'm struggling to read enough to clarify this myself.

 

[befree]

I have some liver damage and have started drinking again. I know that liver failure is a horrible way to die, but could it allow access to VAD?

Without knowing the exact diagnosis and the current status of the disease (including laboratory results), it´s impossible to estimate whether you have a chance of being accepted. I suspect it´s the alcoholic steatohepatitis. This can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatic coma. It depends on the current state of the disease whether and how you will continue to live.

Pegasos won't answer me for some reason. I've even made a new birth certficiate and told them about it.

Yes, this is a big problem that many people have. I already said how I feel about Pegasos.
If someone asked me today if I would recommend applying to Pegasos, my answer would be no !

 

[Larysa]

Thank you. @befree. Have you known of people get accepted for liver damage? I will have more blood tests next week. Very hard to see a doctor here.

 

[befree]

Thank you. @befree. Have you known of people get accepted for liver damage? I will have more blood tests next week. Very hard to see a doctor here.

No, not for liver damage. Tell your doctor that you want copies of all medical records. If he asks what you need them for, tell him you want them for your personal files (e.g. for the family in case something happens to you).

 

[Larysa]

No, not for liver damage. Tell your doctor that you want copies of all medical records. If he asks what you need them for, tell him you want them for your personal files (e.g. for the family in case something happens to you).

Test results attached. Came down a little on retest. This didn't even trigger a doctor's appointment or call so I don't have a diagnosis as such.

No worries about having to pretend. My GPs know I'm suicidal. In the UK you are very unlikely to be sectioned (thankfully). Even if you attempt to ctb you are often just patched up in A&E and sent home. May be a box-ticking brief consult with liaison psychiatrist before you leave, may be not. Often no follow up.

 

[befree]

It´s not a good idea to post this on the forum. The VAD associations read this forum. Better delete it. ALT is most important in the laboratory testing of the liver. And in your case ALT is enormously increased.

but could it allow access to VAD?

The blood results are very important, but also the symptoms you have. These lab.results are not enough for an application. I would suggest that you send an email to the VAD association when you have all the other medical records as I explained above. Include everything you have. I would send it to Dignitas
and Ex-International (not Exit !).

 

[LittleBlackCat]

Yes the age can be confusing. At what age can a person say he is finished with life? Since each application is decided on a case-by-case basis, no one can give an exact answer. If we look at the Norah Vincent case, even there, you can't understand why this person was approved at that age just for depression. And there was also another case with 2 younger women who were approved. I also wonder if these people had a person (friends or family) who accompanied the persons and identified them after death, as required by Swiss law.

So if you have no one to accompany you, Is VAD impossible?

 

[Larysa]

Thank you, @befree. I deleted the screenshot. I'm guessing that's what you meant.

 

[DeadHead]

So if you have no one to accompany you, Is VAD impossible?

No you can pay the Exit parasites a fee and they will accompany you.

 

[befree]

Thank you, @befree. I deleted the screenshot. I'm guessing that's what you meant.

Yes, the screenshot.

So if you have no one to accompany you, Is VAD impossible?

This is even one of the biggest problems. Even if you theoretically might have someone to accompany you, not every person would do that.
Many people also don´t want to tell their family or friends about the VAD application. It's like: I´m going to Switzerland to die. Will you come with me to watch and identify me? Many people would be shocked and might even call the ambulance and you'd end up in the psych.ward. But it also depends on reason for the application. If someone has a disease that is definitely fatal and leads to a painful death, then people have more understanding for the wish to die.

 

[befree]

@befree , do you have the contact info for the Dr at life circle ? Why is she refusing to help people who arent old but with significant reasons to end it !

Lifecircle is no longer accepting new members. Only VAD applications from existing members will be accepted. So "refusing to help people"
is wrong.

also i dont understand why would pegasos ask for xray or mri as requirement, not every pain is shown in some scan, is that a New requirement ?!!

It´s not a new requirement. Xray and the other things I listed in the VAD megathread are only required if applicable.

why are so many people here ITT shocked at the fact that VAD organizations in Switzerland have very stringent requirements and safeguards in place before a person is allowed to access the service?

The criticism is not primarily about regulations and requirements, but much more about profit.

 

[befree]

Update regarding Sweden

Passive euthanasia was deemed legal after a landmark court ruling in 2010. That means a health care professional can legally cease life support upon request from a patient if they understand the consequences stated by their health care professional. Administering a lethal substance is illegal.

Passive euthanasia in Sweden also means, it´s legal for a person, a family member or a friend, to be present - and in that respect help and assist - when a person commits suicide - without having to try to stop him/her.

Furthermore, killing on demand is allowed in Sweden.