Will I stay or can I go? Assisted suicide in prison

Assisted suicide (AS) is a controversial practice with which physicians and nurses are confronted more and more often. In Switzerland, it is available for Swiss residents and in certain cases for foreigners. Prisoners meet the same prerequisites for AS as the general population and should therefore be eligible for it. Ethical issues, such as informed choice and the autonomy of prisoners, and organizational questions need to be addressed. They must not lead to a denial of this practice. Even though prisons constitute a special area of work for medical staff, it is important to address the possibility of AS in prison openly. This can raise awareness of the difficulties health-care professionals face working in closed institutions.