In a significant development in the realm of assisted dying, an assisted dying group anticipates the imminent debut of a portable suicide pod in Switzerland. The organization, known as The Last Resort, disclosed on Wednesday that the futuristic Sarco capsule could see its first use within months, marking a milestone in end-of-life choices where death occurs without medical oversight.
Unveiled in 2019, the Sarco capsule presents a space-age design that functions by replacing oxygen with nitrogen, inducing death through hypoxia. Priced affordably at $20 per use, it has sparked both fascination and controversy.
How does it function?
Florian Willet, CEO of The Last Resort, assured the media of the legal feasibility of deploying the Sarco in Switzerland, a country known for its relatively permissive laws on assisted suicide, provided the individual initiates the lethal process independently.
“We have individuals already inquiring about using the Sarco, suggesting an imminent debut,” Willet remarked during a press briefing. He described the experience as serene, emphasizing the tranquil act of peacefully drifting into eternal sleep.
The protocol mandates that candidates undergo a psychiatric evaluation to confirm their decision-making capacity. Once inside the capsule, adorned in a distinctive purple hue, the individual answers automated queries before being prompted with a final option: “If you wish to die, press this button,” explained Sarco’s inventor, Philip Nitschke.
Upon activation, the oxygen levels plummet swiftly from 21% to 0.05% in less than half a minute, inducing a euphoric but brief loss of consciousness before death ensues within five minutes. Vital signs are monitored throughout the process to ensure a humane end.
Despite reservations from some Swiss cantons and medical authorities, The Last Resort remains undeterred, asserting that legal barriers do not impede Sarco’s use. Fiona Stewart, a legal advisor to the organization, stressed the pod’s non-medical nature, advocating for its placement in secluded, natural settings to honor the user’s privacy.
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First user confidential
As the debut nears, details regarding the first user and exact location remain confidential, aiming to avoid sensationalism. Stewart hinted at an imminent rollout, underscoring the capsule’s potential to offer a dignified choice for those suffering from terminal illnesses, regardless of age.
The Sarco, developed over 12 years in the Netherlands at a cost exceeding €650,000, exemplifies a shift towards de-medicalizing assisted suicide. Plans for future iterations include larger models to accommodate couples seeking a shared end-of-life experience, albeit never to be used for capital punishment.
Amidst ongoing ethical and legal debates, the Sarco capsule stands poised to reshape the landscape of end-of-life decisions, symbolizing both liberation and controversy in equal measure.
