FAQs

On this page you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions. If your question is not listed please feel free to contact us.

General Questions

Pegaos Swiss Association is a voluntary assisted dying (VAD) organization based in Basel, Switzerland. Pegasos believes that it is the human right of every rational adult of sound mind, regardless of state of health, to choose the manner and timing of their death.

Click here to learn more about Pegasos: background, philosophy, aims, objectives, the team etc.
Yes, Pegasos is operating throughout Covid although the bureaucracy associated with travel is, expectedly, quite demanding. Pegasos requests that people contemplating a VAD complete our online VAD application. Pegasos also recommends the Peaceful Pill eHandbook which is published in English, German, Italian, Dutch and Spanish. This book provides the reader with reliable, peaceful options for an elected death and does not require the travel or expense of coming to Switzerland. Something which may be especially beneficial during the pandemic. See: www.peacefulpill.com.
Pegasos was founded in August 2019 by Mr R Habegger. The Pegasos team of Swiss professionals are the same individuals who helped 104-year old Professor David Goodall to die in Basel in May 2018.
Pegasos makes its own new way in the Swiss world of VAD. While it is difficult to say exactly how we differ from the other groups, we can say that we approach our work in a way that is respectful, discreet, inclusive, understanding and person-driven. One area where we are different from the others is that we have native English speakers on staff. No more 'lost in translation'. No more 'lost in translation' with bad interpretation and broken English.
As with the other Swiss VAD services, a VAD at Pegasos costs around CHF10,000. This includes all the paperwork, the consultations, the VAD appointment (inc the drugs), cremation and the couriering of one's ashes home again. Please note this is a cost estimate only, depending on the degree of overview and 'sign-off' required by external Swiss medical consultants of one's medical documents.
The best way to talk to Pegasos is by email. We also use the messaging programs Signal & Whats App. And, of course, we use the telephone. To keep our (and your) costs down, Skype is our preferred option for international calls.
No, Pegasos operates only in Switzerland. This is because Pegasos is governed by the legal jurisdiction of Switzerland. We are sorry but you must come to us. We cannot come to you.
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 assistance to those who would hitherto be prevented from a VAD at our clinic.

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VAD Application

If you are considering a VAD in Switzerland with Pegasos you need to:
Only Pegasos Supporters may apply for a VAD. But don't worry, you can apply to be a supporter and have a VAD at the same time, if you think you have an urgent case.
Yes, you can log in to your private area 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
A VAD application at Pegasos can be approved in as little as a few weeks. If a psychiatric assessment is required, this process will take longer.
Pegasos is strongly of the opinion that you should inform your family at some point, even if you know that they will not be supportive. Besides, 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 complied so beware.
A VAD at Pegasos costs ~ CHF 10,000. This 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. Failure to do so will result in the loss of your date.

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Who can apply for VAD

Pegasos accepts applications from people the world over. There is no limitation.
No, it is not necessary to be terminally ill to be accepted for a VAD at Pegasos.
Pegasos does not accept young people with depression or other severe mental illness. Rather, Pegasos will refer such applications to counselling services such as those published on the Pegasos website.
At Pegasos we accept applications from adults over the age of 18 years only.
Mental illness is a vexed issue. At Pegasos we believe that you can still have mental capacity even if you suffer from long term depression. The most important thing is to tell us of your mental illness and then we can work with you for the best outcome.
Pegasos believes that for a person to be in the headspace of considering ending their lives, their quality of life must be qualitatively poor. Pegasos accepts that some people who are not technically 'sick' may want to apply for a VAD. But this does not mean the person is 'well'. Professor David Goodall was one of these people. He was not sick but his eye sight was failing him, as was his mobility. Old age is rarely kind. The decision to end one's life is an intensely personal one. Pegasos makes every effort to understand fully the unique circumstances of everyone who makes contact with us.

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Family, Friends, Pets, etc.

Pegasos welcomes as many family members and friends as a person wishes to bring. There is no limit on numbers and our clinic is large enough to accommodate everyone.
Of course, all pets are very welcome at our Basel clinic. 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.

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In Switzerland

Of course, as Pegasos is a native of Basel, we are very happy to recommend our preferred hotels for your stay. We even have a convenient B&B (for up to 8 people) in the beautiful Swiss countryside 75 km from Pegasos that can be a calm and quiet option for families who want to spend peaceful last days together surrounded by nature. Please note COVID-19 has impacted on what is possible at the current time.
Pegasos has lovely bright rooms with high windows and sky lights. The VAD will take place in our 'cocoon room'. This is an interior room that has soft lighting and lounges to make the person who is leaving us feel secure, loved and cared for.
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 usually 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 and arms, then Pegasos has developed an ingenious device that requires a simple bump to start the infusion. This can be operated with one's arm, body or even feet. A slight turn of the head also works and even with your tongue.
Of course. Pegasos is linked to Spotify so we can easily connect to our speaker to play your favourite music. Alternatively, if you have a favourite CD, or file on a USB stick. Anything is possible.
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 authorities are satisfied that your death was voluntary and was initiated by you, Pegasos will call the funeral home who will come and collect your body. Your ashes will be available five days later. Your ashes can be either mailed home to your family or collected by your designated contact person.

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