After a VAD, the local Swiss authorities attend the clinic. They include: a representative of the Public Prosecutor’s office, the police and, possibly, an officer from the coroner’s office. These people inspect the body and the scene of the death.
At this point, the person who has been nominated to identify the person after their death will come forward. Once the formalities are complete, the funeral home will collect the body. The person’s ashes will be available for collection around 5 working days after the death. Alternatively, one’s ashes can be couriered back to one’s home country.
A Word of Warning about Body Repatriation
If you decide that you would like to have your body repatriated to your home country (rather than being cremated in Switzerland and having your ashes sprinkled in Swiss nature), then there are a few other considerations you should be aware of.
If you live in a country where assisted suicide is illegal (and you were present in Switzerland when your family member/ friend died), then the police in your home country may open an investigation into your role in your loved one’s death.
While this may sound unlikely, it has been known to happen; especially in the UK. If you are at all worried about implicating your family/ friends in your VAD, it may be better to be cremated in Switzerland. This way, all that will be received by your nominated ‘contact person’ in your home country are two letters by mail.
