'My Life, My Choice': UK Woman Dies By Assisted Suicide In Switzerland After Son's Death

Last Updated:April 25, 2026, 09:56 IST

The clinic’s founder, Ruedi Habegger, stated that her death was carried out in full accordance with her wishes, describing it as a "sane suicide".

A British woman’s death has reignited global debate over assisted dying, after she chose to end her life in Switzerland following the loss of her son.

Wendy Duffy, 56, travelled to undergo assisted suicide at the Pegasos clinic in Basel, Switzerland, reportedly paying £10,000 for the procedure. Despite being physically healthy, she said overwhelming grief made life unbearable after her only son, Marcus, died at 23 in a tragic choking accident.

The clinic’s founder, Ruedi Habegger, stated that her death was carried out in full accordance with her wishes, describing it as a “sane suicide" and emphasising that she acted with clear intent and understanding.

“I can confirm that Wendy Duffy, at her own request, was assisted to die on April 24 and that the procedure was completed without incident and in full compliance with her wishes," he was quoted by Daily Mail.

The clinic’s founder described the case as a “sane suicide," saying there was no doubt about her intention, understanding and independence of thought.

Why Such Step?

Duffy’s decision came as she was suffering from profound personal loss, as her only son, Marcus, died aged 23 in a freak accident after choking on food. The tragedy left her unable to rebuild her life despite years of therapy and medication.

“I want to die. I’ll have a smile on my face when I do: My life; my choice," Duffy said before travelling to Switzerland, reported The Telegraph.

Notably, assisted dying in UK remains illegal. The timing added to the debate, coming as a proposed right-to-die bill failed to progress in Parliament, according to The Telegraph.

Critics have raised concerns over what they describe as “suicide tourism," with vulnerable individuals travelling abroad to access assisted death.

News world 'My Life, My Choice': UK Woman Dies By Assisted Suicide In Switzerland After Son's Death

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