Switzerland is Jack Kevorkian as a country, a fact that for some, is becoming an embarrassment. To try and put a modicum of control on the situation—in which non terminally ill Britons as well as people from other countries have flown to Switzerland so they can be brought home in the baggage hold—the Zurich prosecutor has decided to impose a few limits. From the story:
Under the legislation patients would have to undergo a longer period of counselling at the clinic, stretching over several months, to ensure that they are certain they wanted to end their life. Furthermore the Swiss doctors who prescribe the deadly anaesthetic must have met the person on at least two separate occasions, to be sure of their wishes. This would force Britons seeking to end their lives to fund a longer stay in the country and is aimed at banning so -called “quickie suicides”.
The agreement, which is set to become law throughout the Zurich area in the autumn, restricts the way assisted suicides are carried out, who can be helped to take their own life and how much they can be charged. Announcing the deal Zurich Justice Minister Markus Notter said: “Suicide trips to Switzerland are not going to be banned but there are going to be stricter controls; so called ‘quick suicides’ for foreign patients are set to be outlawed. “It is essential that people decide by their own free will. They also need to be informed about alternatives such as palliative care.”
This only applies in the Zurich area, and besides, is so much hoop jumping. The only way to stop suicide tourism is to make assisted suicide illegal. Until people “get” that one can’t be for and against suicide at the same time, these restrictions are mere leakly plugs in the dikes that, if they ever apply nationwide, will probably be violated in a very public way. Then watch as law enforcement backs down. Stay tuned.
