19-7-2024 (ZURICH) In a groundbreaking development that has ignited ethical debates across Europe, Switzerland is on the brink of introducing a revolutionary assisted suicide device known as the ‘Sarco’ capsule. This futuristic pod, first unveiled in 2019, offers a novel approach to end-of-life decisions, raising both hope and concern among medical professionals and ethicists alike.
The Last Resort, the organisation behind the Sarco, believes there are no legal impediments to its use in Switzerland, a country known for its progressive stance on assisted suicide. Florian Willet, the organisation’s chief executive, expressed confidence in the imminent deployment of the device, stating, “Given the queue of individuals eager to use the Sarco, it’s highly probable that we’ll see its first use in the very near future.”
The Sarco capsule operates on a straightforward yet controversial principle. It replaces the oxygen inside with nitrogen, inducing death by hypoxia. Philip Nitschke, the inventor of Sarco and a prominent figure in the right-to-die movement, describes the process: “Within seconds of pressing the button, oxygen levels plummet, leading to disorientation, slight euphoria, and ultimately, unconsciousness.”
Before using the capsule, individuals must undergo a psychiatric assessment to ensure they have the mental capacity to make such a decision – a crucial legal requirement. The process is largely automated, with the capsule asking a series of questions to confirm the user’s identity and intent.
The cost of using the Sarco is surprisingly low, with users only required to pay approximately £16 for the nitrogen. However, the development of the capsule itself has been a costly endeavour, with over $610,000 invested in research and development over 12 years in the Netherlands.
While The Last Resort sees the Sarco as a humane and dignified option for those seeking to end their lives, its potential introduction has sparked intense debate. Some cantons in Switzerland have expressed reservations, with the Wallis canton going so far as to ban its use outright.
Fiona Stewart, a lawyer on The Last Resort’s advisory board, maintains that there are no legal obstacles to the Sarco’s use in Switzerland. “We aim to de-medicalise assisted suicide,” Stewart explained, highlighting that the Sarco doesn’t require a doctor’s presence.
The organisation has set a minimum age limit of 50 for using the Sarco, though exceptions may be made for seriously ill individuals over 18. Plans are also underway to develop a larger version of the capsule to accommodate couples wishing to end their lives together.
