Switzerland is set to implement the use of the first portable suicide pod for assisted dying. The pod was named Sarco and was created by Philip Nitschke, the founder of Exit International and has been the subject of controversy since its unveiling in 2019.
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The Sarco capsule was first introduced in 2019. It is expected to be used in Switzerland within a few months, according to the assisted dying organization The Last Resort.
Each use of the Sarco capsule will cost around $20 covering the nitrogen required for the process.
The Sarco pod was invented by Philip Nitschke, who is also known as Dr Death due to his advocacy for voluntary euthanasia.
Designed to allow individuals to end their lives without medical supervision. It has a futuristic 3D-printed design intended to evoke a sense of a journey to a new destination.
The pod works by replacing the oxygen inside the capsule with nitrogen. Once activated from the inside and it rapidly decreases oxygen levels leading to hypoxia. The individual loses consciousness within seconds and dies within approximately ten minutes.
Assisted suicide has been legal in Switzerland since the 1940s provided the act is not performed for selfish reasons.
Article 115 of Swiss Criminal Code law states that assisting suicide is a crime if done for selfish motives with penalties including imprisonment.
The first use is expected to take place soon within the year. Specific details about the first user and the exact location will be kept confidential to avoid turning the event into a media spectacle.
Users must pass a psychiatric assessment to ensure they have the mental capacity to make such a decision.
The pod can be activated by a button, gesture, voice control or eye movement, catering to those with severe physical limitations.
The process is filmed and the footage is provided to a coroner to ensure transparency to legal standards.
Switzerland permits assisted suicide provided that the individual performs the act themselves and there is no selfish motivation from those assisting.
This legal framework supports the use of the Sarco capsule. A mandatory psychiatric evaluation is required to ensure the individual’s mental capacity before using the Sarco capsule.
This assessment verifies the person’s decision-making ability and understanding of the process.
The Sarco capsule works by replacing the oxygen inside with nitrogen leading to hypoxia. The oxygen level drops from 21% to 0.05% in less than 30 seconds.
The individual enters the capsule, closes the lid and answers automated questions to confirm their identity and understanding of the process.
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Upon pressing the button, they experience disorientation, euphoria, loss of consciousness and death within five minutes.
The capsule monitors signs such as oxygen levels, heart rate and blood oxygen saturation to confirm death.
The Sarco capsule was developed over 12 years, costing over €650,000 ($710,000). Exit International, a non-profit organization founded by Philip Nitschke.
The capsule has undergone testing with instruments but not on humans or animals. Current models accommodate individuals up to 1.73 meters (5 feet 7 inches) tall with plans to develop larger versions.
The introduction of the Sarco capsule has ethical debates and calls for bans citing concerns over Article 115 of the Swiss Criminal Code which criminalizes assisted suicide for selfish reasons.
The Last Resort aims to de-medicalize assisted suicide by eliminating the need for a doctor’s presence.
The only cost associated with using the Sarco pod is 18 Swiss francs (approximately $20) for the nitrogen. While the minimum age limit is set at 50, exceptions can be made for those over 18 with serious physical illnesses.
The organization has not disclosed details about the first user or the exact timing and location of the initial use, aiming to avoid media attention and respect the privacy of individuals seeking assisted suicide.
Plans include creating a double Sarco for couples wishing to die together and reducing production costs to around €15,000 ($16,393) per unit. The Sarco capsule will not be used for capital punishment.
According to Florian Willet. there is interest in the Sarco capsule with many individuals inquiring about its use.
While some Swiss cantons such as Wallis have banned its use, The Last Resort believes there are no legal barriers to its implementation nationwide.
Helplines and Support
UK and ROI samaritans can be reached at 116 123 or via email at jo@samaritans.org. USA can use he 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 support at 988 or through online chat at 988lifeline.org. www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
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