The “Sarco” suicide capsule, designed by pro-euthanasia activist Philip Nitschke, could soon be used for assisted suicide in Switzerland. This method raises many ethical and legal questions.
The futuristic “Sarco” suicide capsule should soon be used in Switzerland.
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Switzerland is known for its liberal regulations on assisted suicide. Organizations such as Exit Suisse or Dignitas regularly support people, who often have incurable illnesses, who come from abroad to end their lives.
To be eligible, these people must be able to understand, and a health professional must confirm that their wish to die is understandable given their situation.
The person must perform the act themselves, usually by ingesting or injecting pentobarbital, prescribed by a doctor.
Causes of hypoxia and hypocapnia
Australian activist Philip Nitschke offers an alternative to the use of pentobarbital with his “Sarco” capsule. By pressing a button inside, the capsule fills with nitrogen, causing hypoxia (lack of oxygen) and hypocapnia (lack of carbon dioxide) within seconds.
According to Christian Jackowski, director of the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the University of Bern, this process would be rather pleasant, and sometimes a lack of oxygen tries to increase pleasure, although this can also lead to fatal accidents during “autoerotic practices. “.
Controversial nitrogen enforcement in the United States
On January 25, Kenneth Eugene Smith, a murderer, was executed in the United States by inhaling nitrogen through a mask. This method was severely criticized by the United Nations, which accused the American authorities of treating him like a guinea pig, failing to guarantee a “quick, humane and painless” death.
According to the NZZwitnesses described Kenneth Eugene Smith struggling to breathe, writhing and pulling on his restraints for several minutes.
Unclear legal situation
According to the NZZ, it is surprising that the “Sarco” capsule will soon be used in Switzerland. Exit International’s Swiss partner, Nitschke’s organization, separate from Exit Suisse, withdrew from the project due to the unclear legal situation.
A legal review commissioned by Philip Nitschke found that the machine did not break any laws because it is not classified as a medical device that requires testing before use. However, not all experts agree.
The NZZ quotes Kerstin Noëlle Vokinger, professor of law and medicine at the University of Zurich. According to her, the medical device law also applies to devices that modify a “physiological or pathological condition”, which may include those that cause death.
Therefore “Sarco” may require certification from Swissmedic. Without this certificate, and if a court agrees with Vokinger, Philipp Nitschke could face prison time as a manufacturer.
“Basically useful invention”
Despite the controversies, some see “Sarco” as “a fundamentally useful invention.” The euthanasia organization Pegasos, a former partner of Exit International, and other activists recognize its potential.
Ruedi Habegger, president of Pegasos, told the NZZ that the machine could help those who, due to illness, cannot drink the medicine or receive an infusion. But he notes that many patients prefer the presence of their relatives and medical staff during the dying process, which could not be done with “Sarco”. Therefore, he doubts whether the capsule will be widely used in Switzerland.