In 2015, the organization Exit helped 213 people in French-speaking Switzerland die, 18% more than in 2014. In German-speaking Switzerland the figure was 782, 30% higher than the year before. Recently released statistics show the number has risen more than 12-fold since 2001 among French-speakers. This rise in suicide numbers is broadly in line with the increase in Exit’s membership numbers. Since 2010, the number of members of Exit’s suisse romande association has grown steadily from 15,757 to 22,214, a rise of 40%. Awareness has also increased. Dr. Jérôme Sobel, the president of Exit suisse romande, said “People know the process operates within a lawful framework”.
Exit has two associations. One based in French-speaking Switzerland (suisse romande), and another in the German-speaking part, which covers Switzerland’s German and Italian-speaking regions. Total membership across both totaled close to 118,000 at the end of 2015, between 1% and 2% of Switzerland’s population. The services of both associations are offered free to paid members. Recent members (less than 0ne year) wanting assistance are asked for a contribution of CHF 350 in suisse romande and CHF 900 by the other association covering the rest of the country. Jérôme Sobel said each case costs the association CHF 2,900. Regular members are asked to contribute CHF 40 each year.
Sourse: Le NEWS & Le Matin, 28.04.2016, Switzerland
