Switzerland voters approve free contraception and assisted suicide measures

Voters in several Swiss cantons have passed significant social and healthcare measures. In Geneva, residents approved a principle to provide free contraception for all ages, a first for Switzerland, with implementation planned for 2028. This move, proposed by the Socialist Party, aims to reduce costs as a barrier to access and potentially lower abortion rates.

In the Canton of Zurich, voters approved a measure expanding the right to assisted suicide. All hospitals, private nursing homes, and rehabilitation clinics must now permit assisted suicide on their premises, with the exception of psychiatric clinics and prisons. This expands upon previous rules that only applied to municipal facilities.

Conversely, Zurich voters rejected a proposal that would have granted teachers more paid time for extracurricular tasks, such as parent conferences and camp organization. Opponents cited concerns over an estimated 83 million franc cost to municipalities.