FAQs

The best way to communicate with Pegasos is by email. You can reach us at contact@pegasos-association.com. Kindly be aware that phone communication is not possible until your application has been approved.

No, Pegasos operates only in Switzerland. This is because Pegasos is governed by the legal jurisdiction of Switzerland.

Yes. Under Swiss law, assisted dying is lawful if the person who wants assistance to die possesses decision-making capacity and has ‘control’ over his/her death and the motives of those assisting are not selfish.

More information on Swiss Law & Requirements.

At Pegasos we philosophically believe that no one should be prevented from a VAD with us, simply because they lack the financial resources. Pegasos hopes that in the future we will be in a position to provide financial aid to those who would otherwise be unable to avail our service.

No, we do not have any affiliations due to ethical and legal considerations.

While Sarco is a useful invention, we believe disregarding legal frameworks, inciting media sensationalism, and handling patients unethically are counterproductive to the broader goal of providing dignified assisted dying options in Switzerland. Established organizations, such as Pegasos, which have worked in this field for many years, have therefore expressed concerns over these practices.

This claim is far from the truth. As a non-profit organization, our mission is to offer dignified assisted dying, and protect and promote people’s autonomy in deciding how they want to die. We also believe most individuals would prefer to hold their loved ones’ hands during their final moments rather than die isolated in a coffin.  Additionally, when considering the costs of psychiatric evaluations, funeral arrangements, and other related expenses, Sarco is not truly free. In the long term, every organization will face operational costs, including staff, logistics, technology, and legal fees. We believe in transparency regarding these expenses, rather than pressuring individuals into donations. The recent case of the alleged first Sarco user losing $40,000 raises serious concerns about these practices, which appear far from altruistic.

Please refer to the VAD Procedure page for complete details. If you are considering a VAD at Pegasos you need to:

• Become a Supporter of Pegasos and pay the supporter’s fee.
• Log in at the site & apply online for a VAD. You will be able to save your application as you go. No need to complete it all at once.
• Here is a list of required documents.

Yes, only Pegasos Supporters can apply for a VAD. You can become a supporter and apply for a VAD at the same time, if you think you have an urgent case.

Yes, you can log in to your private account at any time to edit or add your personal details.

To cancel your information or VAD application, please email us at contact@pegasos-association.com

Careful review is always required prior to approving VAD application. Please email us to get a more specific timeline when you apply.

Pegasos requires that you inform your family at some point, even if you know that they will not be supportive. If you have concerns regarding this, please email us. Discussing your plans with family members may lead to people saying what needs to be said before you go. This helps bring closure and is infinitely better than leaving a life unspoken for and full of regret.

No, Pegasos has no required wait period. However, it is important to remember that the Swiss State requires a certain number of officially-certified documents. It can take some time for these to be compiled and please plan accordingly.

Similar to other Swiss VAD services, the cost for a VAD at Pegasos is approximately CHF10,000. This covers paperwork, consultations, the VAD appointment (including drugs), cremation, and the couriering of ashes. Please be aware that this is an estimate, and the actual cost may vary based on the level of review and approval needed from external Swiss medical consultants for your medical documents. VAD cost is paid in 2 installments. The first (called the deposit) when you apply for a VAD. The second needs to be paid when you are ready to schedule your VAD date.

Pegasos accepts applications from people worldwide.

While it is not necessary to be terminally ill to be accepted for a VAD at Pegasos, careful review is always required in order to accompany people on their last journey.

At Pegasos we accept applications from adults over the age of 18 years only.

There is no definitive answer to this question. An individual medical assessment is always required.

Pegasos welcomes as many family members and friends as a person wishes to bring. There is no limit on numbers and our facility is large enough to accommodate everyone.

Of course, all pets are very welcome. Pegasos staff all own (or have owned) cats, dogs and other pets throughout their lives. We are animal lovers!

For legal reasons, everyone who comes for a VAD at Pegasos must have someone known to them who is able to confirm the patient’s identity after VAD (by co-signing a paper together with the MD) for the Swiss authorities.

If you do not have a family member or friend willing or able to come with you to Pegasos, we can suggest alternate arrangements after your VAD application has been approved.

Of course, as natives of Basel, we are very happy to make travel recommendations. Please note that we will let you know which hotel we need you to stay in, to make the MD-visit possible. Please visit this page for some travel tips and links. Travel Tips

Pegasos uses the intravenous method of Nembutal administration. This involves having a cannula inserted into one's arm and a solution of the lethal drug fed into your body from a 'line' that is controlled by a 'tap'.

After the sodium pentobarbital starts flowing intravenously, the person goes to sleep within a minute and dies quickly afterwards.

At our clinic, we have highly skilled medical professionals, who will set up the intravenous line. You need to be able rotate the small wheel that opens the IV line that will be attached to the cannula in your arm. If you have weakness in your fingers or limited movement in your hands and arms, our special device helps you start the infusion with a simple bump. This can be operated with one's arm, body or even feet. A slight turn of the head or even a slight movement with your tongue also works.

Of course. Pegasos is linked to Spotify so we can easily connect to our speaker to play your favourite music. Alternatively, you could bring your favorite CD, a file on a USB stick or even a cassette.

After your VAD, Pegasos will call the authorities who will attend our clinic. These officials will be friendly and very sensitive to the fact that you have just lost someone you loved very much.

Once the formalities are complete, Pegasos will call the funeral home, who will come and collect your body.

Your ashes will be available approximately 10 days later. Your ashes can be either mailed home to your family or collected by your designated contact person.