Assisted suicides in Switzerland increase by 825% since 2003

Assisted suicide has risen dramatically in Switzerland, increasing by 825% since 2003, with recent data showing a disproportionate impact on women and elderly citizens.

Switzerland’s legal framework for assisted suicide, established in 1941, permits the practice provided it is not carried out for “selfish motives”, under Article 115 of the Swiss Criminal Code.

The Swiss Federal Statistical Office reported that 1,729 residents died by assisted suicide in 2023—an 8.47% rise from 1,594 in 2022.

Of those, 1,036 were women (59.92%) and 693 were men. Over the past two decades, women have consistently made up the majority, accounting for 57.62% of all such deaths.

The data also highlights a striking increase among older age groups.

In 2023, 90.86% of those who died by assisted suicide were aged 65 or older, up from 88.08% in 2022. In 2003, the figure was 74.33%.

Between 2019 and 2023, 94% of suicides among those aged 95 and over were assisted, as were 87.71% for those aged 85–94, and 78.07% for those aged 75–84.

The rate for those aged 65–74 was also significant at 66.08%.

This pattern is not unique to Switzerland.

Similar trends in the Netherlands have prompted researchers to suggest that underlying mental health issues—particularly depression and anxiety, which are more prevalent among women—may contribute to the gender imbalance.

These statistics raise serious concerns about assisted suicide proposals currently before the Westminster and Scottish Parliaments.

They challenge claims by the Bill's proponents that such legislation would impact only a small number of individuals.

International evidence shows that once legalised, assisted suicide laws tend to result in significant increases in deaths by this means, with far-reaching societal consequences.

Notably, the data reveals a disproportionate effect on vulnerable groups, particularly elderly people and women—an issue often overlooked by advocates.

As the Bill is debated in the House of Lords in the coming weeks, it is vital that Parliamentarians carefully consider these trends before voting.