Battling terminal illness? Swiss 'suicide capsule' offers a way out

Sarco capsule designed by euthanasia advocate Philip Nitschke

Capsule to be tested in Switzerland in 2023 before global roll-out

The Sarco suicide capsule, designed by euthanasia advocate Philip Nitschke, is set to be tested in Switzerland in 2023 before a planned global roll-out.

The capsule, which resembles a space capsule, is designed to provide a peaceful and dignified way for people with terminal illnesses to end their lives.

Nitschke, the founder of the pro-euthanasia group Exit International, said the Sarco capsule was a response to the growing demand for assisted dying around the world.

“There are many people who are suffering from terminal illnesses who want to have the option of ending their lives peacefully and with dignity,” Nitschke said.

“The Sarco capsule provides a safe and humane way for people to do this.”

The capsule is made of lightweight composite materials and is designed to be transported easily.

Once inside, the person can lie down and close the lid.

They then press a button to start the process, which takes about 30 seconds.

The capsule is filled with nitrogen gas, which gradually replaces the oxygen in the air.

This causes the person to lose consciousness and die peacefully.

Nitschke said the Sarco capsule was designed to be a safe and humane way to die.

“It is not a suicide machine,” he said.

“It is a device that gives people with terminal illnesses the choice of ending their lives peacefully and with dignity.”

The Sarco capsule has been met with mixed reactions.

Some people have welcomed it as a compassionate way to die, while others have expressed concerns about the potential for abuse.

Nitschke said he was confident that the Sarco capsule would be used responsibly.

“We have a strict screening process in place to ensure that only people who are terminally ill and of sound mind are able to use the capsule,” he said.

“We also require people to have two independent witnesses present when they use the capsule.”

The Sarco capsule is expected to be tested in Switzerland in 2023.

If the trials are successful, the capsule could be made available to people with terminal illnesses around the world.