Zurich votes to allow assisted suicide in all retirement homes and hospitals

The Zurich cantonal council has passed a counter-proposal that will allow assisted suicide to take place in all retirement homes and hospitals in the canton. 

Assisted suicide could be allowed in all Zurich retirement homes

The Zurich cantonal council has voted in favour of allowing assisted suicide in all retirement homes and hospitals. A counter-proposal to the initiative “Self-determination at the end of life also in retirement and nursing homes” was passed by 108 votes to 63, reports Watson.

The initiative also wanted to allow assisted suicide in psychiatric wards and prisons in Zurich, but this was rejected by the council.

The supported counter-proposal now goes to the drafting committee, after which the cantonal parliament decides on it in a final vote. The proposal could be put to a public referendum if passed successfully.

Assisted suicide debate focused on religious institutions

In 2022, the Zurich cantonal council voted against requiring all retirement homes to allow assisted suicide. Opponents argued that religious homes should not be forced to allow euthanasia to take place on their premises and should be able to opt out. 

“The debate on Monday was heated,” continues Watson. Members of the EDU and EVP Christian parties “rejected the requirement that religiously affiliated nursing homes should also tolerate suicide.” On the other hand, supporters believe that everyone has a right to self-determination regardless of where, or in which type of institution, they live.

In general, each Swiss canton sets its own laws on where and how assisted suicide can take place, while federal law dictates under what circumstances it is a criminal offence. Other cantons, such as Vaud, Neuchâtel, Geneva and Valais, have also passed laws on retirement homes and hospitals.