Belgium and Switzerland

[cpampaspt]

I heard that in Belgium, doctors can perform euthanasia or assisted dying procedures, and that the regulations there are less strict compared to some other countries. In Switzerland, there is also an organization called Dignitas that provides similar services. All of this is, of course, legal, but patients need to demonstrate the following:

1. They are mentally capable of making such a decision.
2. They have a degenerative, irreversible medical condition.
3. They are experiencing severe and unbearable suffering.

My question is about the practicalities of the last requirement. If someone is in severe pain, how are they expected to travel to Belgium or Switzerland and go through the application process, which involves consultations with psychiatrists, doctors, lawyers, and possibly even a court of law? How can someone endure all these steps, which might take a long time, while suffering from severe pain? Does anyone have insights into how this works in practice?

 

[RinneOfAragon]

Hi @cpampaspt . Yes Belgium is less strict I believe and I think Netherlands too (people with trauma and anorexia for example). Unfortunately from my limited understanding it is mostly for their citizens. I had a romantic/poetic view of going to Belgium to be euthanized. This is because my Paternal grandfather was from Belgium. Anyway after looking into it last year. It is a very lengthy process. Took one person three whole years and they had to have numerous evaluations etc. It's understandable as family kick up a fuss. They don't want to get taken to court so the organisations have to cover their backs legally. Point 3. They are experiencing severe and unbearable suffering- mental suffering can also be unbearable. Now with Dignitas as you probably know you have to be a member first. I'm not sure exactly the cost to just become a member but it would quickly go into the thousands. I think if someone is terminal or their condition is deteriorating fast they take it into consideration- may speed up the process. I think most people who go to Dignitas would have at least one loved one who would support them through it. Obviously it's doable as I believe a good few hundred from the UK alone have managed it. Its not cheap I'd estimate £15000. I'm sorry I can't be of more help. I guess most people wouldn't be on this site if they had access to euthanasia. I am assuming you are yourself in a lot of physical/mental pain ? I think if you have all the proof and support from family plus money it may not be so lengthy. Pegasos has come under fire as they were quick with the applications and not requiring much proof. I think one guy even forged documents (not sure how he did it). Been a few cases of families from USA and UK raising it in the media and possibly court. Apologies I can't be of more help with point 3. I'm sorry if you are in alot of pain, I do empathise.

 

[Tommen Baratheon]

I heard that in Belgium, doctors can perform euthanasia or assisted dying procedures, and that the regulations there are less strict compared to some other countries. In Switzerland, there is also an organization called Dignitas that provides similar services. All of this is, of course, legal, but patients need to demonstrate the following:

1. They are mentally capable of making such a decision.
2. They have a degenerative, irreversible medical condition.
3. They are experiencing severe and unbearable suffering.

My question is about the practicalities of the last requirement. If someone is in severe pain, how are they expected to travel to Belgium or Switzerland and go through the application process, which involves consultations with psychiatrists, doctors, lawyers, and possibly even a court of law? How can someone endure all these steps, which might take a long time, while suffering from severe pain? Does anyone have insights into how this works in practice?

As a foreigner you can request euthanasia when you have a terminal illness for instance. Normally, this is approved fairly quickly. Foreigners requesting euthanasia because of 'ondraaglijk psychisch lijden' (unbearable mental suffering) will not be approved. Belgians who request this could be on a waiting list for 1, 2, 3 years.

 

[cpampaspt]

I'm not in real pain right now, but my situation can deteriorate quickly. That's why I want to plan ahead; otherwise, I risk being unable to handle a lengthy process and being forced to go to the hospital and resume new treatments that will hardly have any effect.
I will contact Dignitas. I am aware of the price, but I suppose that's the last thing one should worry about at this stage in life.
If there are any other people who can share their experience with Dignitas, specifically how long the approval process takes, I would appreciate it.

 

[J&L383]

I'm not in real pain right now, but my situation can deteriorate quickly. That's why I want to plan ahead; otherwise, I risk being unable to handle a lengthy process and being forced to go to the hospital and resume new treatments that will hardly have any effect.
I will contact Dignitas. I am aware of the price, but I suppose that's the last thing one should worry about at this stage in life.
If there are any other people who can share their experience with Dignitas, specifically how long the approval process takes, I would appreciate it.

It only cost about $300 Swiss francs to officially join Dignitas, but the secret is you can actually join without paying anything by just declaring a membership. There's some paperwork that would have you fill out. But I suggest buying a paid membership just as a sign of good faith and an investment in what they do. The total cost of a assisted suicide is about 12,000 Swiss francs. I would start with their website which has loads of information, read everything first and if you still have questions you can ask them, Dignitas is the best in my experience with getting response to emails. There are two other organizations, Pegasos, and Athanasios (the newest), which are similar in many respects but there are differences. There's much less information on their websites than Dignitas but I would suggest reading theirs as well.