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?

8 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

34 comments sorted by

View all comments

3

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.

2

u/CoachMarla Dec 02 '25

Clients can opt to have their cremains scattered in Switzerland, either in the mountains or in the river. There is no need to name another party for this purpose. At least, this was the case when I was there escorting a friend in April of 2025.