News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/19th July 2024
An innovative assisted dying organization announced on July 19 that Switzerland could soon witness the use of a groundbreaking portable suicide pod, potentially within months. This development marks a significant step in the realm of assisted suicide, offering a method that operates without direct medical supervision.
The device in question is the Sarco capsule, an advanced, space-age contraption first introduced in 2019. This futuristic pod functions by replacing the oxygen inside with nitrogen, leading to death through hypoxia. The cost of utilizing the Sarco is notably low, set at just $20.
Florian Willet, CEO of The Last Resort, the organization facilitating the use of the Sarco, confirmed that there are no apparent legal barriers to its implementation in Switzerland. The country’s laws generally permit assisted suicide, provided that the individual performs the final act themselves. Willet noted the high level of interest in the Sarco, stating that there are already individuals lined up to use the device. He expressed his belief that the pod will soon be used, describing it as a serene means of passing away.
Before using the Sarco, individuals must undergo a psychiatric evaluation to ensure they are mentally competent—a critical legal requirement. The process involves the person entering the purple capsule, closing the lid, and responding to automated prompts asking their identity, location, and understanding of the procedure. The final step involves pressing a button, which triggers the pod to rapidly deplete the oxygen levels from 21% to just 0.05% within 30 seconds.
Philip Nitschke, the inventor of Sarco and a prominent advocate for the right-to-die movement, explained that the sudden drop in oxygen causes immediate disorientation, slight euphoria, and then unconsciousness. Death typically occurs within five minutes of unconsciousness. The Sarco is equipped with sensors to monitor oxygen levels, heart rate, and blood oxygen saturation, allowing for precise determination of death.
While the exact timing and location of the first use of the Sarco have not been decided, it will be conducted in a private and secluded setting to avoid media attention. Fiona Stewart, a lawyer on The Last Resort’s advisory board, emphasized that the focus is on providing a peaceful passing rather than attracting media scrutiny.
The Sarco is designed for individuals aged 50 and above, though exceptions may be made for seriously ill individuals under 50. The capsule can be reused, with each use costing only 18 Swiss francs ($20) for nitrogen. The device’s development, funded by donations and costing over 650,000 euros ($710,000), involved extensive research and testing.
The introduction of the Sarco has sparked renewed debate on assisted dying in Switzerland. Some cantonal authorities have expressed concerns or imposed bans on its use. Despite this, Stewart asserts that there are no legal impediments to the Sarco, arguing that nitrogen is not a medical product or dangerous weapon. The goal is to de-medicalize assisted suicide by eliminating the need for a doctor’s presence during the procedure.
Future iterations of the Sarco may include modifications such as a double capsule for couples. Although the Sarco has not been tested on humans or animals, its creators are optimistic about its potential impact. The Last Resort has assured that the Sarco will never be used for capital punishment, reinforcing its commitment to ethical standards in assisted dying.
