People’s initiative demands: all homes in Zurich must allow euthanasia

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All retirement and nursing homes in the canton of Zurich should allow euthanasia on their premises, including private ones. This calls for a new cantonal citizens’ initiative, which is supported by, among others, the euthanasia organizations Exit and Dignitas. In the cantonal council, the requirement was recently narrowly disappointed.

Private retirement homes and nursing homes in the canton of Zurich will also be obliged to allow assisted suicide in the future. As the initiative committee “Self-determination at the end of life also in elderly and nursing homes” announced on Friday, it has launched a cantonal citizens’ initiative.

According to the announcement, the initiative is intended to correct a decision made by the canton council “coincidentally” last October. By 81 to 80 votes, parliament at the time decided to lift a corresponding obligation for all old people’s and nursing homes.

Nowadays, individuals are allowed to refuse euthanasia

The opponents of a more far-reaching regulation pleaded, among other things, for the interests of operators of private homes. If the owner of a home refuses euthanasia, for example for religious reasons, he should not be forced to allow it in his home.

The current rule is that only homes operated by a municipality must allow assisted suicide. Private residences or community contractors can opt out.

6000 signatures in half a year

Residents of these homes who want to make use of euthanasia must therefore do so outside their home. The initiative aims to ensure that people who want to die independently no longer have to leave their homes.

The referendum was published in the Staatsblad on Friday and is in the preliminary investigation phase. In Zurich, 6,000 signatures are needed within six months to bring about a popular initiative. Then the government council and the cantonal council get to work. Ultimately, the voters decide. (SDA)

Source:Blick