Assisted Suicides Rose in 2025, Reports Exit Switzerland

A staggering 1,421 individuals chose to end their lives through Exit Switzerland in 2025, marking a significant departure from the 1,235 cases recorded the previous year. This isn't just a statistical blip; it is a profound reflection of a shifting demographic landscape. As the organization grapples with an unprecedented demand in the German and Italian-speaking regions, the data speaks volumes about the state of our ageing society. The average age of those seeking assistance has climbed to 80, up slightly from 79.5 in 2024, signaling that longevity often comes with burdens many choose not to bear indefinitely.

The gender divide remains stark and telling. Women continue to seek assisted suicide at significantly higher rates than men, with 818 women compared to 603 men making the final choice in 2025. The average age for women utilizing these services rose to 80.6 years, while men averaged 79.2 years. These numbers paint a vivid picture of a generation that is increasingly asserting control over the conclusion of their lives, refusing to leave their final moments to chance.

While terminal cancer remains the primary driver, accounting for 32% of all cases (461 individuals), a more complex crisis is emerging. The number of elderly patients opting for assisted suicide due to polymorbidity—suffering from multiple disabling disorders—has surged dramatically. In 2025, 326 people cited multiple disorders as their reason for exiting, a sharp jump from just 205 cases in 2024. This represents 23% of the total, highlighting a critical reality: modern medicine extends life, but it does not always preserve quality.

This dramatic rise in polymorbidity cases underscores the heavy toll of age-related decline. Exit Switzerland explicitly attributes this trend to an ageing society confronted with seriously disabling illnesses. As the population continues to age, the prevalence of individuals battling a convergence of non-terminal but debilitating conditions is skyrocketing. The healthcare system is now confronting a cohort of seniors who, faced with the prospect of prolonged suffering from compounding ailments, are increasingly choosing a dignified exit over a life defined by medical management.

Public support for the right to die is not just holding steady; it is accelerating at a breakneck pace. Exit Switzerland saw its membership base expand by a robust 8% in 2025, reaching a total of 195,836 members across the German and Italian-speaking cantons. Over the course of just 12 months, 14,189 new people joined the non-profit association, securing their potential future right to a self-determined death.

The momentum shows no signs of slowing down. In January 2026 alone, a massive 2,400 individuals applied for membership, a figure that suggests the stigma surrounding assisted suicide is evaporating rapidly in favor of pragmatic preparation. This surge in enrollment reflects a society that values autonomy above all else. The Swiss population is voting with their signatures, ensuring that should the need arise, the option for a dignified end is legally and logistically secured.

When the final moment arrives, the vast majority of Swiss citizens reject the sterility of hospitals. A commanding 75% of all assisted suicides in 2025 took place within the privacy of the patient's own home. This statistic reinforces the deeply personal nature of the procedure; for most, a 'dignified death' is synonymous with familiar surroundings, personal comfort, and the presence of loved ones outside of a clinical setting.

Nursing homes account for the second largest share, with 20% (278 cases) occurring within care facilities. This distribution highlights the operational reach of Exit Switzerland, which facilitates end-of-life wishes across various living situations. However, the overwhelming preference for home exits suggests that despite the medical nature of the assistance, the emotional and psychological need for a domestic setting remains paramount for those taking their final step.

In contrast to the overall national surge, the figures in southern and eastern Switzerland present a picture of stability. Ticino registered 28 cases of assisted suicide, a slight decrease of one case compared to 2024. Meanwhile, Graubünden reported 35 cases, identical to the previous year's figures. These regional nuances suggest that while the national trend is aggressively upward, local variations persist.

Looking ahead, the pressure on legislative and social support systems will likely intensify. With membership soaring and the 'baby boomer' generation entering the high-risk age bracket for polymorbidity, 2025’s record numbers may soon be viewed as a baseline rather than a peak. Switzerland has long been a pioneer in the right-to-die movement, and as these statistics prove, the population's resolve to control their final narrative is stronger than ever.