In a notable case in Switzerland, police have detained several individuals after a woman used a capsule-shaped machine to take her own life. This incident appears to be the first documented case involving this particular method.
The tragic event occurred in a forest near the German border, leading authorities to arrest multiple people on suspicion of inciting and assisting in the act of suicide.
The device in question, known as ‘Sarco,’ utilizes nitrogen gas to induce a state of suffocation by significantly lowering the oxygen levels inside. This machine was developed by Philip Nitschke, a controversial Australian doctor who has been a prominent advocate for assisted dying since the 1990s.
In July, a group supporting assisted suicide announced that this capsule would be used for the first time, stirring further debate about the ethical implications surrounding such devices. The ‘Sarco Capsule’ features a button that allows users to release nitrogen gas. Crucially, if the person inside changes their mind, an emergency button allows them to exit the machine safely.
Debate Over the Capsule’s Legality
Supporters of ‘Sarco’ contend that it offers a viable alternative for individuals wishing to end their lives without depending on medical prescriptions or interventions, thus enabling them to do so in the comfort of their homes. However, despite the legality of medically supervised assisted suicide in Switzerland, the ‘Sarco’ machine has sparked considerable controversy.
Critics argue that the modern design of the capsule might unintentionally promote suicide, particularly without the oversight of medical professionals. In a recent session of the Swiss Parliament, Health Minister Elisabeth Bäumle Schneider emphasized that the government does not intend to legalize the use of this machine, citing concerns about safety and the legal ramifications of using nitrogen in such contexts.
A few months prior, a 54-year-old American woman expressed her intent to utilize the ‘Sarco’ for her suicide but ultimately decided against it. Switzerland is among the few countries where foreign nationals can seek medically assisted suicide, supported by various organizations that help individuals considering this option.
Some parliament members have voiced the need for clearer regulations regarding assisted suicide, arguing that existing laws are vague and require reform.
First Recorded Use of the Capsule Machine
According to BBC sources, the first recorded suicide involving the capsule-shaped machine was that of a 64-year-old American woman who passed away after using ‘Sarco’ near the German border. Representatives from Exit International reported that Florian Wilt, president of their subsidiary The Last Resort, was present during this incident, describing the woman’s death as ‘peaceful and dignified.’
Dr. Philip Nitschke, who created ‘Sarco,’ has previously stated that the machine would not be marketed through traditional retail channels. Instead, he plans to share its design online, allowing individuals to download it for free, reinforcing his goal to make the process of dying a non-medical affair.