Dignitas: Planning for Death
Case
Teaching Notes
Abstract
Suicide tourism 1 is defined as voluntary travel to another country with the objective of using medical assistance to end one’s life. Because assisted suicide is permitted under Swiss law, Switzerland has become the most popular destination for this type of travel. Due to the flexibility of Swiss law, several organizations now provide assisted suicide services: Dignitas is one such organization. In addition to helping those who wish to die, the association also offers counselling on palliative care, alleviating the desire to commit suicide, and other end-of-life issues. Dignitas requires individuals to apply for its services in a way that helps them re-evaluate their situation and choose the right decision from many available alternatives. Considering the service as a means of protecting dignity in death, the demand for assisted suicide has grown significantly. As of 2019, Dignitas had assisted 3,027 people in ending their lives.
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