Assisted suicide has been legal in Switzerland since 1942, if performed by a non-physician who has no direct interest in the death. Euthanasia, or “mercy killing”, is legal only in the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the U.S. state of Oregon.
[Ted] Goodwin said the election of Socialist Francois Hollande as French president could help the euthanasia cause in Europe. Hollande has said he favors euthanasia under strict conditions.
“If France falls into line, I believe Germany will also adopt it. That is a game changer in Europe,” he said, noting support for reform was also gaining traction in Australia and Massachusetts. “Things are happening slowly but surely.”