Swiss authorities have just approved the legality of a 3D-printed euthanasia capsule model, which will be ready for operation starting next year.
Euthanasia is the intentional termination of a person’s life, typically for patients who are beyond medical help, carried out in a way that is minimally or non-painful for the benefit of that person.
Euthanasia capsule model Sarco. (Photo: RT).
According to RT, euthanasia is considered legal in Switzerland. Approximately 1,300 residents in this European country utilized euthanasia in 2020.
Typically, patients’ lives are ended by administering liquid sodium pentobarbital into their bodies, inducing deep coma before death.
However, Dr. Philip Nitschke, the developer of the Sarco euthanasia capsule, asserts that it will allow clients to achieve their goal quickly and painlessly without the need for medication.
Specifically, the Sarco capsule will be filled with nitrogen gas, which rapidly reduces the oxygen concentration, leading to death by asphyxiation for the person inside.
Users will feel slightly dizzy and even a bit euphoric before losing consciousness. In an interview with SwissInfo on December 4, Mr. Nitschke confirmed that thanks to this method, death will occur within 30 seconds without feelings of choking or panic.
This machine is activated from the inside, allowing the person in the euthanasia capsule to press the decision button without needing assistance from others. The capsule is easily movable, enabling it to be transported to any location chosen by the patient.
According to Philip Nitschke, the assessment of the legality of this euthanasia technology has been completed without any obstacles.
The third Sarco euthanasia capsule model is currently being 3D printed in the Netherlands and will be available for use in Switzerland starting next year.
In a promotional clip from 2020, Mr. Nitschke stated that he would not charge for the use of this technology. He also plans to make the Sarco design publicly available on the Internet to spread this idea globally.
