An American woman has become the first known person to die using a “Sarco suicide pod.”
Swiss police announced the arrest of two individuals on charges of assisting her with the unapproved device, which was developed by controversial assisted-dying activist Dr. Philip Nitschke.
The Sarco, a 3D-printed capsule, is designed to induce death by depriving the user of oxygen as it fills with nitrogen gas.
Switzerland’s interior minister stated that the pod does not meet safety standards and is not compliant with the country’s chemical regulations.
The incident occurred in a wooded area in Schaffhausen, near the German border, where the woman, aged 64, had traveled specifically for this purpose.
The Swiss organization Last Resort, which advocates for the pod’s use, confirmed her death on September 23, stating that the process was “peaceful, fast, and dignified.”
The woman had reportedly suffered from severe immunodeficiency for many years.
Dr. Nitschke confirmed the woman’s death, stating he monitored her vitals remotely.
Reports indicate that her body was taken for autopsy, and Last Resort mentioned she had expressed her wish to die in a recorded statement, confirming her decision with her two sons.
Despite Switzerland’s laws allowing assisted dying without criminal charges, some regions have threatened legal action against the use of the Sarco.
Critics, including representatives from other assisted-dying organizations, argue that the device lacks necessary medical oversight and could lead to premature decisions about death.
Dr. Nitschke continues to advocate for the Sarco’s use in other regions, including Scotland.
