The Euthanasia capsule, which enables a quick and painless death with a single push of a button, is expected to be used for the first time in Switzerland.
According to reports from AFP and other agencies, on the 18th, euthanasia organization The Last Resort announced that the assisted suicide capsule Sarco will soon be used in Switzerland. Assisted suicide refers to the act of voluntarily ending one’s own life with the help of medical professionals.
First unveiled in 2019, Sarco replaces the oxygen inside the capsule with nitrogen at the push of a button, causing death by hypoxia in seconds.
The person entering the capsule must first undergo a mandatory psychiatric assessment. Once the capsule lid is closed, they are asked questions such as who they are, where they are, and if they know what happens if they push the button. Then, the voice guide finally instructs, “Press this button if you want to die.”
Dr. Philip Nitschke, euthanasia activist and inventor of Sarco, explained, “Once the button is pressed, the amount of oxygen in the air plummets from 21 percent to 0.05 percent in less than 30 seconds.”
“They will then stay in that state of unconsciousness for… around about five minutes before death will take place,” he added.
The details of the identity, time, and place of the first use of Sarco have not been disclosed. However, it is expected to be used this year.
Local media reported on the 5th that Sarco is expected to be used this month, and the first user has already traveled to Switzerland.
However, the use of the capsule raised many legal and ethical debates, even in Switzerland, where euthanasia is permitted. The Last Resort finds no legal obstacles to using Sarco in Switzerland.
In a recent press conference, Florian Willet, CEO of The Last Resort, mentioned that it will likely be implemented soon, with people lining up to use Sarco. He added that he could not imagine a more beautiful death than breathing air without oxygen until falling into an eternal sleep.
