Summary and conclusions

“All the centres work on a not-for-profit basis”

The law in England and Wales will probably change in 2027 but not before that.

Switzerland is the only country in the world that admits visitors seeking to end their lives by means of assisted suicide. The five providers of assisted suicide services (Dignitas, Pegasos, Athanasios, Lifecircle and EX International) are the only organisations in the world capable of offering such services on a fully legal basis. This website, www.theswitzerlandalternative.com, is the only website in the world that provides detailed, unbiased and free information upon the services available.

If you go to Switzerland, the total cost is going to be between £12,500 and £14,000.   You can, of course, apply for a reduction in the Centre’s fees if you have limited funds. Zurich can be slightly more expensive than Basel.

The Switzerland option is not a high-risk choice.

Dignitas appears more thorough in its preparation and documentation.   Pegasos and Athanasios are younger and are broader in their criteria for acceptance. Lifecircle is slightly more personal in its service but, since the Autumn of 2022, has been closed to new members. EX International prefers its clients to provide the location.

Assisted suicides take place in buildings that are efficient and functional – but they are not all beautiful.

Dignitas and EX International ask you to drink the medication.   Lifecircle, Pegasos and Athanasios want you to use a cannula in a vein.   The cannula is a bit faster.

Most people choose to be cremated and to have their ashes returned later. Alternatively, your body can be transported back home in a coffin.

Anyone coming with you should expect to stay for two or three nights in total.

All the end-of-life centres operate on a not-for-profit basis.   No one is making money out of them.   For people with modest means, they make allowances if they can. All are driven by belief in freedom of choice.

You need to be careful about possible effects upon beneficiaries in your Will.

You will need to consider what you want your last moments to be like – and how they will be remembered by those who have come with you. Do you want the Swiss efficiency of Dignitas, the surburban friendliness of Athanasios or the space and rural views of Pegasos ? Do you want to go quickly with a cannula or would you prefer to talk for half an hour while the Nembutal you have drunk takes effect ? Are you happy if the memory you leave behind is of you snoring or would you want a faster end to it all ?

And, finally, you’ve got to ask yourself how you actually “feel” about it all. Forget all the thoughts about your illnesses, about money, relationships or inheritances. Just ask finally is this something you really really want to do ? If you change your mind at the last moment no one will be offended – and you won’t be the first to do so.