Switzerland is on the brink of a controversial milestone as it prepares to introduce the Sarco capsule, a portable suicide pod, within the next few months.
The device, which has stirred significant debate since its introduction in 2019, promises a new method for individuals seeking to end their lives, independent of medical supervision.
The Sarco capsule, designed by the assisted-dying group The Last Resort, represents a significant departure from traditional euthanasia practices.
Resembling a futuristic pod, the Sarco operates by filling its chamber with nitrogen, thereby reducing oxygen levels to induce hypoxia—a state of dangerously low oxygen in the body. This process leads to unconsciousness and death within approximately ten minutes.
Florian Willet, CEO of The Last Resort, announced at a recent press conference that there has been considerable interest in the Sarco capsule, with several individuals already inquiring about its use. The cost for utilizing the device is notably low, set at 18 Swiss francs (around $20). Willet described the process as a "peaceful transition to eternal sleep," emphasizing that the device could soon be deployed, though specific details regarding its first use remain undisclosed.
The Sarco capsule's introduction is anticipated to raise further debate about assisted dying in Switzerland. Assisted suicide has been legal in the country since the 1940s provided it is conducted by someone without a direct interest in the death, leading to Switzerland becoming a prominent destination for what is often termed "death tourism."
Despite its innovation potential, the Sarco has faced criticism, particularly concerning Article 115 of the Swiss Criminal Code. This article prohibits assisting suicide for "selfish" reasons, raising concerns about the ethical implications of such a device.
In addition to the regulatory hurdles, the exact timing, location, and identity of the first user of the Sarco capsule remain confidential. Nonetheless, Willet confirmed that the initial deployment is expected to occur within the year, setting the stage for what could become a landmark moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding end-of-life options.
