Switzerland is on the brink of a controversial milestone as it prepares to unveil the Sarco capsule, a portable suicide pod, within the next few months.
The device, which has sparked considerable debate since its introduction in 2019, promises a new method for individuals who want to end their lives, independent of medical supervision.
Designed by assisted dying group The Last Resort, the Sarco capsule represents a significant departure from traditional euthanasia practices.
Resembling a futuristic pod, the Sarco works by filling its chamber with nitrogen, thereby reducing oxygen levels and inducing hypoxia – a state of dangerously low oxygen in the body. This process leads to unconsciousness and death within about ten minutes.
The cost of using the device is remarkably low, set at 18 Swiss francs (around $20). Willet described the process as a “peaceful transition to eternal sleep” and stressed that the device could soon be deployed, although specific details regarding its first use remain undisclosed.
The introduction of the Sarco capsule is expected to spark further debate on assisted dying in Switzerland. Assisted suicide has been legal in the country since the 1940s, provided it is carried out by someone with no direct interest in the death, which has led to Switzerland becoming a prominent destination for what is often called “death tourism” .
Despite its innovative potential, Sarco has faced criticism, particularly regarding Article 115 of the Swiss Penal Code.
Apart from regulatory hurdles, the exact timing, location and identity of the first user of the Sarco capsule remain confidential. However, Willet confirmed that initial deployment is expected to occur within the year, setting the stage for what could be a landmark in the ongoing end-of-life options discussion.
