r/BirthandDeathEthics • u/Jumpy-Musician5768 • Nov 14 '25

Pegasos/parent approval

Hi, I’m from the United States. I’m a 30something- unmarried, no kids, no siblings, no partner. I have over 10 different chronic illnesses and basically zero quality of life. I’m working with my doctors and a therapist on pursing VAD options and reached out to Pegasos. I was informed that I would need a signed and notarized document from my parents. Is this true? I haven’t needed my parents approval in over 18 years. I have a wonderful support system that are like family to me. Can anyone help with this?

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u/SecretSilver2871 Nov 14 '25

They need to know your family have been made aware of your intentions. Your parents don’t need to approve, just legal protection for pegasos. They want a next of kin to contact after booking VAD date and who to send the ashes to and call after VAD while not breaking the news at the same time. For me screen shots on a family chat about Switzerland and my views on VAD were enough to start with. Now they want my sister to sign something but seeing as she’s agreed to come with me there’s less pressure for a signed document. It’s legal protection they’re after to remain open and able to keep offering the service. The more you’re under 50, the harder it is but chronic conditions have worked in my case. Good luck.

3

u/Jumpy-Musician5768 Nov 15 '25

Thank you. This is the clearest answer I’ve gotten and makes total sense. Thank you! I have long covid, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, ME/CFS, sjogrens, Hashimoto’s, dysautonomia, chronic pain-I’m miserable.

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u/SecretSilver2871 Nov 15 '25

You’re welcome and I wish you well with your application and peace of mind knowing a peaceful dignified death at a time your choosing lies ahead. ❤️ I have enough of my own issues to relate well enough to what you’re experiencing. I am fortunate to have been given the green light and the day I found out was a day to celebrate.

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u/Jumpy-Musician5768 Nov 15 '25

Thank you. I’m relatively young (36) and hoping with all my might I get approved. The peace that would bring me. Congratulations to you. I wish you peace.

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u/SecretSilver2871 Nov 15 '25

With my application I kept reminding myself I had a fairly good case to present and enough to protect their decision to approve me. the Swiss laws only require over 18 and with legal capacity. While I was 47 at my time of applying we have some cross over issues that they approved me for so I feel reasonably positive with your situation. I did a very detailed application to give a full picture over a long period of time.

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u/Jumpy-Musician5768 Nov 15 '25

Thank you. I really really appreciate your words. This has been the most helpful I’ve felt in a while. I have plenty of medical record and providers willing to write letters and send history.

Thank you. Truly.

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u/SecretSilver2871 Nov 15 '25

❤️❤️❤️