Switzerland's assisted-suicide groups overwhelmed by record foreign demand
Switzerland's assisted-suicide organisations are facing unprecedented demand as more people travel from abroad to end their lives. The country's liberal laws allow the practice for those of sound mind, even without a terminal illness. Groups like Pegasos and Dignitas report record numbers, with many clients coming from English-speaking countries.
American sculptor Jackie Ferrara was among those who travelled to Switzerland in 2024 for an assisted suicide with Pegasos, a Basel-based group. Her case reflects a broader trend: an increasing number of foreigners, particularly from the U.S. and U.K., are choosing this option.
Dignitas, the largest organisation serving international clients, assisted 280 people in 2024 alone. One in five came from the U.S., while nearly one in six were British. Pegasos handles up to 340 cases annually, with most clients also arriving from overseas. Over the past decade, assisted suicides in Switzerland have doubled. In 2025, Basel-Landschaft recorded 247 foreigners—mostly from the U.S. and France—seeking to die there. The phrase *'going to Switzerland'* has even become shorthand in English-speaking nations for choosing a medically assisted death. Despite the rising numbers, attempts to tighten regulations on right-to-die groups have failed. The current system remains in place, allowing the practice to continue under existing conditions.
Swiss organisations are now operating at full capacity, struggling to meet the growing demand. With no major legal changes in sight, the country is likely to remain a key destination for those seeking assisted suicide. The trend shows no signs of slowing, particularly among international clients.
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