The Last Resort, an organization specializing in assisted suicide, is preparing to introduce a groundbreaking portable suicide pod known as Sarco in Switzerland. This innovative device, first unveiled in 2019, could be available for use within the next few months. Sarco operates by replacing the oxygen inside the capsule with nitrogen, resulting in death by hypoxia. This new method of assisted suicide does not require medical supervision, potentially revolutionizing how people can choose to end their lives.
Switzerland has a unique legal stance on assisted suicide, allowing individuals to perform the fatal act themselves without medical intervention. The Last Resort believes there are no legal obstacles to using Sarco in the country. During a recent press conference, Florian Willet, the chief executive of The Last Resort, revealed that there is significant interest from potential users. This interest suggests that the first use of Sarco could happen soon, marking a significant milestone in the realm of assisted dying.
The Sarco capsule features an automated procedure designed to ensure that the person seeking to end their life is making an informed and voluntary decision. Before using the capsule, individuals must undergo a psychiatric assessment to confirm their mental capacity. This step is crucial to ensure that users fully understand the consequences of their decision.
Once inside the capsule, users are required to answer automated questions to confirm their identity and awareness of the situation. When ready, they press a designated button to initiate the process. The oxygen level inside the capsule then rapidly decreases, leading to unconsciousness and death within approximately five minutes.
Philip Nitschke, the inventor of Sarco and a well-known euthanasia advocate, emphasized the irreversible nature of the decision once the button is pressed. The process cannot be stopped, underscoring the seriousness and finality of the act. To respect the privacy and dignity of the individuals, details about the first usage, including the time, date, and identity of the user, are kept confidential. This measure is intended to prevent a deeply personal moment from becoming a public spectacle.
The introduction of the Sarco capsule has reignited the debate on the legal and ethical dimensions of assisted dying in Switzerland. While the device offers a new level of autonomy and control for individuals seeking to end their lives, it also raises significant questions about the implications of such technology.
One notable aspect of the Sarco capsule is its cost-effectiveness. The only expense for the user is the nitrogen required for the process, which is estimated at 18 Swiss francs (approximately US$20). This relatively low cost could make the device more accessible to individuals considering assisted suicide.
As The Last Resort moves forward with plans to introduce Sarco in Switzerland, the country finds itself at the forefront of a complex and deeply personal issue. The automated and non-medical nature of the Sarco capsule offers a new approach to assisted dying, but it also challenges existing ethical and legal frameworks. The coming months will likely see continued debate and scrutiny as Switzerland navigates this new frontier in end-of-life options.