The futuristic Sarco capsule, first unveiled in 2019, facilitates death by replacing oxygen with nitrogen, causing hypoxia. It would cost $20 to use. The Last Resort organization sees no legal obstacles to its use in Switzerland, where assisted suicide is permitted if the person commits the act themselves. The Last Resort’s CEO, Florian Willet, indicated high demand and expects the Sarco to be used soon.
Legal Considerations and Demand
The Last Resort organization, advocating for assisted suicide, sees no legal barriers to Sarco’s use in Switzerland, where laws allow assisted suicide if the individual commits the act themselves.
“Given the demand, it’s likely to be used soon,” stated Florian Willet, The Last Resort’s CEO, during a press conference.
“I cannot imagine a more beautiful way (to die), of breathing air without oxygen until falling into an eternal sleep,” he added.
Process and Safety Measures
To use Sarco, individuals must first pass a psychiatric assessment to confirm their mental capacity. They then enter the purple capsule, close the lid, and answer automated questions to confirm their identity and understanding of the process.
“‘If you want to die,’ the voice says, ‘Press this button,'” explained Philip Nitschke, Sarco’s inventor and a leading right-to-die advocate.
Once the button is pressed, oxygen levels drop from 21% to 0.05% in under 30 seconds. Nitschke detailed that within two breaths, users feel disoriented and euphoric before losing consciousness. Death follows after about five minutes of unconsciousness.
The Sarco monitors oxygen levels, heart rate, and blood oxygen saturation to ensure the process’s progression. “We will be able to see quite quickly when that person has died,” said Nitschke. However, once the button is pressed, there is no turning back.
First Use and Privacy Concerns
The date and location of the first use remain undecided, and such details will be withheld until after the event to maintain privacy.
“We really don’t want a person’s desire for a peaceful passing in Switzerland to turn into a media circus,” said Fiona Stewart, a lawyer on The Last Resort’s advisory board. She noted that the capsule would be used in a secluded, natural location on private property.
The minimum age limit for Sarco use is 50, but exceptions may be made for those over 18 who are seriously ill. The capsule is reusable, and the only cost to the user is 18 Swiss francs ($20) for the nitrogen.
Development and Ethical Debate
Sarco’s introduction has reignited legal and ethical debates on assisted dying in Switzerland. Some cantons, like Wallis, have banned its use, while others express reservations.
Stewart emphasized that nitrogen, constituting 78% of the air, is not a medical product or weapon. The goal is to “de-medicalize assisted suicide” as the Sarco does not require a doctor’s presence. Swiss authorities would be contacted only after death.
The Sarco capsule, developed over 12 years at a cost of more than 650,000 euros ($710,000), was tested with instruments in Rotterdam but not on humans or animals. The current model accommodates individuals up to 1.73 meters (5 feet 8 inches) tall. Future designs aim to allow couples to end their lives together, with potential costs around 15,000 euros. The Sarco will not be used for capital punishment.
Support is Available: You’re Not Alone
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please remember that help is available. You don’t have to face this alone. Reach out to a friend, family member, or a mental health professional.
In times of crisis, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for immediate support, available 24/7.
Your life is valuable, and there are people who care about you and want to help.
