A suicide capsule known as Sarco was expected to be inaugurated a few days ago, but its inauguration has been definitively postponed, according to its operators on Sunday. This decision was made due to the deteriorating mental health of the individual selected to use it.
The Sarco capsule is designed to enable individuals who wish to end their lives to do so by pressing a button. A significant amount of nitrogen is released, which displaces the oxygen. The person loses consciousness after a few breaths of nitrogen and dies in about five minutes. The individual selected for the inauguration, a woman in her fifties from America, was slated to use the capsule on July 17, according to Florian Willet from the organization “The Last Resort.” However, her mental condition has worsened.
“Given her situation, it is evident that this person should receive psychological support rather than assisted suicide,” stated Philip Nitschke, the Australian designer of the controversial device, in a statement on Sunday. Consequently, the decision was made to cancel the procedure. Mr. Willet mentioned that the organization had lost contact with the American woman, who was in Switzerland. “We are concerned and hope she is doing well,” he added.
The inauguration has generated significant discussion
Philip Nitschke is currently busy pre-selecting the next candidate, according to “The Last Resort.” “The number of applications has surged significantly following the recent media exposure of the capsule,” said Willet, expressing optimism that it will be used for the first time in 2024. The inauguration of Sarco has sparked much debate recently. The canton of Valais has prohibited its use within its borders.
In Switzerland, assisted suicide is permitted under several conditions, including medical supervision. It must also be selfless. Assisting or inciting suicide for selfish reasons is punishable by up to five years in prison. However, the Criminal Code does not contain specific regulations regarding assisted suicide, according to the Federal Office of Public Health.
The organization “The Last Resort,” which was established a few months ago, is funded by private donations, as stated at a press conference last week. The use of the capsule would also be authorized for individuals who are not members.
Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts can reach out to the Suicide Prevention Center’s helpline at 0800/32.123 (it is anonymous, free, and available 24/7). More information is available at www.preventionsuicide.be.
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“Suicide capsules” soon to be installed in Switzerland?
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A suicide capsule, called Sarco, was supposed to be inaugurated a few days ago, but this inauguration has been definitively postponed, its operators indicated on Sunday. This decision was taken due to the deterioration of the psychological state of the person chosen to use it.
The “Sarco” capsule is intended to allow people who want to die to do so by pressing a button. A large amount of nitrogen is then released, displacing the oxygen. The person loses consciousness after a few breaths of nitrogen and dies after about 5 minutes. The individual chosen to inaugurate it, an American woman in her fifties, was supposed to use the capsule on July 17, according to Florian Willet of the organization “The Last Resort.” However, her mental state deteriorated.
“Given her situation, it is clear that this person should now receive psychological care rather than assisted suicide,” said Philip Nitschke, an Australian who designed the controversial machine, in a statement on Sunday. The decision was therefore made to cancel the procedure. Mr. Willet stated that the organization had lost contact with the American, who was in Switzerland. “We are concerned and hope she is well,” he added.
The Inauguration Has Caused Much Ink to Flow
Philip Nitschke is now busy pre-selecting the next candidate, according to “The Last Resort.” “The number of applications has increased considerably since the recent media coverage of the capsule,” says Willet, expressing confidence that it will be used for the first time in 2024. The inauguration of “Sarco” has been the subject of significant discussion recently. The canton of Valais has banned its use within its territory.
In Switzerland, assisted suicide is permitted under several conditions, including supervision by a doctor. It must also be disinterested. In the event of incitement or assistance to suicide for selfish reasons, this act is punishable by up to five years in prison. However, the Criminal Code does not contain any specific regulations on assisted suicide, according to the Federal Office of Public Health.
The organization “The Last Resort,” founded a few months ago, is funded by private donations. They stated at a press conference last week that the use of the capsule would also be authorized for people who are not members.
Anyone with suicidal thoughts can contact the Suicide Prevention Center’s helpline at 0800/32.123 (it is anonymous, free, and available 24/7). More information can be found at www.preventionsuicide.be.
Read Also
“Suicide capsules” soon to be installed in Switzerland?
© AFP
Understanding the Sarco Capsule
The Sarco capsule has generated significant interest and controversy in the realm of assisted suicide, particularly in Switzerland where such measures are more widely accepted. Below are some key features and insights regarding the capsule:
How the Sarco Capsule Works
- Design: The capsule is designed with a user-friendly interface that allows individuals to initiate the process themselves.
- Nitrogen Release: Upon activation, it releases a high concentration of nitrogen, causing a rapid decrease in oxygen levels.
- Quick Process: Loss of consciousness occurs within a few breaths, with death occurring within approximately five minutes.
Benefits of the Sarco Capsule
- Offers a dignified, controlled option for those seeking assisted suicide.
- Empowers individuals by giving them the ability to make their own choices regarding their end-of-life process.
- Aims to alleviate suffering for terminally ill patients who feel they have no quality of life.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
The legality of the Sarco capsule is rooted in Switzerland’s progressive stance on assisted suicide. However, it raises numerous ethical questions, such as:
- How to ensure that individuals are fully informed and mentally fit to make such decisions?
- The potential for pressures from family or financial burdens to influence the decision for assisted suicide.
- The necessity for psychological evaluations prior to use to prevent impulsive actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Sarco capsule?
The Sarco capsule is an innovative suicide machine designed for individuals seeking a humane way to end their lives, utilizing a nitrogen-based method.
2. Where is the Sarco capsule available?
Currently, the Sarco capsule is undergoing trials and is primarily discussed in the context of Switzerland, where assisted suicide laws are more favorable.
3. Who is eligible to use the Sarco capsule?
Eligibility generally requires the individual to be suffering from a terminal illness, with a mental health evaluation prior to use.
4. Is there a support system in place for those considering assisted suicide?
Yes, various organizations provide counseling and resources for individuals exploring their options regarding assisted suicide.
