Inauguration of the “Sarco” suicide capsule postponed due to test person
Published: Sunday, Jul 28th 2024, 19:50
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The inauguration of the "Sarco" suicide capsule, originally planned for mid-July in Switzerland, has finally been postponed. The reason for this is the deterioration in the mental state of the person who had been selected for the capsule.
"Given her situation, it is clear that this person should now receive mental health care rather than assisted suicide," Australian Philip Nitschke, the developer of the controversial machine, said in a statement on Sunday.
This person, an American woman in her fifties, was supposed to inaugurate the "Sarco" capsule on July 17. Philip Nitschke is now busy pre-selecting the next candidate "who hopes to use the device", according to the euthanasia organization "The Last Resort".
In mid-July, a media report stated that a person would soon die with the help of the suicide capsule in Valais. However, the Valais cantonal doctor then ordered a precautionary ban on its use.
Established euthanasia organizations such as Exit and Dignitas work together with doctors. "Sarco" is intended to allow people who wish to die to end their lives at the touch of a button.
The machine can be moved to any location to die. The person who wants to die climbs into the 3D-manufactured cabin and lies down. The lid is then closed.
The person about to die presses a button and nitrogen flows into the cabin. This displaces the oxygen. After a few breaths, the person becomes unconscious, as the promoters of "Sarco" (from sarcophagus) explained. Death occurs after about five minutes. The occupant dies from lack of oxygen.
©Keystone/SDA
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