On Monday, 23 September, in the afternoon, a 64-year-old woman became the first person to use the suicide capsule called “Sarco” at a forest retreat in Switzerland. Originally from the Midwestern United States, the lady suffered from a very serious illness that caused intense pain and severe immunological impairment. She had expressed a desire to die for the past two years motivated by prolonged suffering, which induced a lack of quality of life.
The “Sarco” device was designed to facilitate assisted suicide by allowing individuals to control the moment of their death. Inside the capsule, the person can press a button that releases nitrogen gas, which displaces oxygen and causes a swift death by suffocation. The name “Sarco” derives from the word “sarcophagus”, a kind of stone coffin hugely associated with ancient civilizations, especially Egypt.
While Swiss law permits assisted suicide, the use of this capsule has stirred up controversy, leading to legal inquiries throughout the country. Several individuals have been arrested as the police investigated suspected incitement, as well as aiding and abetting suicide. Authorities are also assessing whether the device complies with safety regulations and if its use aligns with existing assisted suicide laws.
As we can see, the use of “Sarco” raises ethical and legal concerns about assisted suicide, particularly in relation to safety regulations and the government’s role in regulating these practices. The debate also centres around the accessibility of the device and its compatibility with euthanasia laws, as there is increasing demand from potential users. This should prompt discussions about the moral and legal implications of this new technology on a global scale.
There are moments in life when all seems lost and pain and anguish take over. Finding a way out can feel impossible. If this sounds familiar to you or someone you know, we urge you not to give up. There is a way out of this dark place and you are not alone! Our 24-hour Helpline is available for you. Just call 020 7686 6000 or send a WhatsApp message on 020 7686 6010 and an adviser will be available to offer you spiritual help and words of faith that could be the strength you need to find the willpower to overcome!
