Swiss ‘Suicide Capsule’: Die with the push of a button

A Swiss group facilitating end-of-life options has announced the upcoming introduction of a “portable suicide capsule” that does not permit any change of mind.

The group reported on Wednesday, July 24, that the system, which permits death without medical supervision, may be operational within the next few months.

The suicide capsule, known as “Sarc,” was first introduced and unveiled in 2019. According to reports, the capsule replaces the oxygen inside with nitrogen to induce death by hypoxia.

The cost of using this capsule is reported to be $20. The Last Resort organization, which promotes the use of this capsule, claims there are no legal barriers to its use in Switzerland, as the country’s law permits assisted suicide if the individual takes the primary action to end their life.

Florian Wylot, the executive director of the organization, described the device as a “beautiful way to die,” explaining that “dying while breathing but without oxygen leads to eternal sleep.” He noted that, given the number of people waiting to use Sarc, its implementation is expected soon.

The regulations stipulate that the person who presses the button to end their life will face irreversible death without the possibility of regret. The device, which cost $710,000 and took 12 years to develop, will not be used for capital punishment, and its construction cost is expected to decrease to around 15,000 euros in the future.

Currently, there is no information on who will be the first to use this machine, but it is anticipated that the minimum age for users will be 50, and those over 18 with severe illnesses will be considered. Suicide remains a leading cause of death worldwide, with approximately 800,000 people taking their own lives annually, according to WHO statistics, and 16 million people experiencing suicidal thoughts each year.

The introduction of the Sarc capsule represents a significant development in end-of-life options, potentially offering individuals a new way to choose their end under controlled conditions. While it promises a method that aligns with Switzerland’s legal framework for assisted suicide, its ethical implications and societal impact will likely continue to be debated as it becomes available.

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