One-way ticket to Switzerland: in the past few years, Switzerland has built a reputation for its relaxed euthanasia laws. Dignitas, the organisation helping foreigners and Swiss to end their lives, has been accused of generating a tide of suicide tourism.

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One-way ticket to Switzerland: in the past few years, Switzerland has built a reputation for its relaxed euthanasia laws. Dignitas, the organisation helping foreigners and Swiss to end their lives, has been accused of generating a tide of suicide tourism.

In 2002, I was in the process of setting up an interview with Ludwig Minelli, a lawyer and founder of the suicide-assistive organisation Dignitas. Returning my call, he asked whether I would be free this very morning. Handing over the phone to somebody else, he told me a 'compatriot' wished to speak with me. A Dutch woman came on the line.

Anna (whose real name has been withheld) spoke with difficulty, as if she were drunk. She said Minelli had just accompanied her, along with her husband, to the Dignitas doctor in Zurich. Intimidated, I asked if she was in Switzerland to end her life....

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