Assisted dying

Assisted dying: Legal processes and medications for those choosing euthanasia.

Assisted suicide refers to the externally supported but independently carried out termination of life and is a highly sensitive issue that is regulated differently in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. While the Federal Constitutional Court in Germany lifted the ban on commercial promotion in 2020, thereby emphasizing the right to self-determined death, organizations such as Exit and Dignitas have been active in Switzerland for many years, enabling assisted suicide under clearly defined conditions. In Austria, assisted suicide was legalized in 2022 after a change in the law, subject to strict conditions. In all three countries, comprehensive guidelines on information, medical supervision, and documentation apply in order to prevent abuse while respecting the autonomy of the individual. Assisted suicide is mainly used by seriously ill or terminally ill people who do not want to rely solely on palliative measures, which is why the discourse is always balanced between self-determination, human dignity, and the protection of vulnerable groups.

In addition to the legal aspects, the ethical debate plays a central role. While proponents emphasize the possibility of a controlled, dignified decision, opponents point to the danger of social normalization and psychological pressure on the sick or elderly.