Machine that assists suicide clears legal review in Switzerland

[mellowyellow]

A coffin-shaped capsule, which promises relatively painless and peaceful death in under one minute, has cleared legal review in Switzerland, its makers claimed.

Euthanasia advocate Philip Nitschke has created a 3D printed suicide machine that allows users to administer their own death in a matter of minutes. Called Sarco, the futuristic-looking machine features a coffin-like sealed pod with transparent panels. It sits on top of a raised platform that leans at an angle.

By pressing a button on the inside of the pod the machine floods with liquid nitrogen, an unregulated substance that can be easily purchased. This lowers the oxygen level within the capsule, making the user feel "slightly tipsy" before falling unconscious and ultimately, dying.

Although users must pass an artificial intelligence-powered test to determine their mental capacity to open the hatch, details of the test are not specified. According to Nitschke, the aim of the machine – which was premiered at this year's Venice Biennale – is to "allow rational adults the option of a peaceful, elective and lawful death in an elegant and stylish environment".

The machine is portable, meaning it can be moved to the user's desired location.

 

[Bellbird]

While I believe in euthanasia, up to a point, it gives me the shivers as to how many could take their own life, perhaps needlessly. Doctors can and do get it wrong at times.

 

[win231]

I like the sleek, aerodynamic design - less wind resistance & higher mpg.
But I don't like the color. And it needs a phone charger.

 

[mellowyellow]

I find that people who are not into 'old age' yet or have never had a loved one suffer in terrible pain, are the ones who are against euthanasia. But the time will eventually come when they wish it was legal.

 

[carouselsilver]

That is creepy and reassuring at the same time! I mean, how can we know what will happen with our bodies down the line; unbearable pain or an awful debilitating illness?

 

[win231]

I find that people who are not into 'old age' yet or have never had a loved one suffer in terrible pain, are the ones who are against euthanasia. But the time will eventually come when they wish it was legal.

Yes, I often chuckle when I hear someone with no health issues say, "I would never........."

 

[Aunt Bea]

It’s sad that we show more compassion for our pets than we do for our loved ones.

The pod may not be the ideal solution, but it does help to keep the issue top of mind.

IMO it’s a small step in the right direction.

 

[fuzzybuddy]

I kind of wonder about being "flooded with liquid nitrogen". The temperature of liquid nitrogen is -191 C. Being frozen to death isn't that appealing to me. And I agree that it is kinder to let someone go, rather than to maintain a painful, futile existence.

 

[win231]

I kind of wonder about being "flooded with liquid nitrogen". The temperature of liquid nitrogen is -191 C. Being frozen to death isn't that appealing to me. And I agree that it is kinder to let someone go, rather than to maintain a painful, futile existence.

I didn't know how that thing worked. Now that I know, I couldn't do it. I can't stand cold. Anything under 80 is too cold for me.

 

[DaveA]

I didn't know how that thing worked. Now that I know, I couldn't do it. I can't stand cold. Anything under 80 is too cold for me.

Lucky that we don't live in the same town, In the 80's is misery and when I'm subjected to 90F or over I consider it a "near death" experience.

 

[dseag2]

I find that people who are not into 'old age' yet or have never had a loved one suffer in terrible pain, are the ones who are against euthanasia. But the time will eventually come when they wish it was legal.

Absolutely. I'm not in that age group yet, but I recently saw my mother go through horrible pain and discomfort during the last days of her life. I'm currently 64 and healthy, but I'm not naive enough to think the same will not happen to me. I am all for it.

 

[raybar]

This suicide pod strikes me as absurdly high tech. What's wrong with a simple injection or something taken orally which would kill you peacefully, painlessly, and quickly?

 

[Sunny]

I was wondering the same thing, raybar. Why go to all that trouble when all that is needed is a simple pill, which some countries use already for that purpose?

 

[win231]

Much neater than a Glock.

 

[Jeni]

I never understood the problem if someone wants to off themselves ...

as a society we ASSIST it constantly ( only in slow motion)
........ giving money to those on the corners begging in parking lots ... a good portion will buy whatever rot-gut alcohol to drink fast. as liver failure or perhaps passing out and dying in an accident is ok I guess. Alcoholism is a slow painful death in many cases.

Look at the super morbidly obese some can not even move or walk 15 feet but someone is assisting in providing junk foods in huge portions
yet as they strain every organ to keep them alive..... it may take years to shut down or have organ failure.....................even if they choked in their sleep from overeating it is an accident

But if you are near a drug addict choking on their own vomit you could be accused of not rendering aid.
if you knew a person had access to a weapon you should have done something ....
perhaps that is why so many are alone on street is family does not want to watch the slow process and anything FASTER becomes a grey area.

 

[Irwin]

I'd prefer a more traditional casket-looking suicide machine, like maybe one made of mahogany or even oak. Mission style oak would be nice.

These futuristic suicide machines seem like they're geared more towards young people.