Swiss gov't rejects call to ban assisted suicide

[September 18, 2010]  GENEVA (AP) -- The Swiss government has rejected calls to ban assisted suicide groups such as Dignitas but will propose new rules to restrict their work.

Assisted suicide is legal in Switzerland provided the helper doesn't personally benefit from a patient's death.

The government says a majority of the groups and local governments consulted were in favor of drawing up stricter rules to govern assisted suicide groups.

Justice Minister Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf said last year the government wants to cut down on "suicide tourism," where scores of foreigners travel to Switzerland every year to end their lives with the help of Dignitas and other groups.

The government said Friday it will draft a bill to go before lawmakers by the end of the year.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.