Tesla of Euthanasia? Swiss Authorities Ban 'Suicide Capsule' For Assisted Dying

Swiss prosecutors have banned a "suicide capsule" that was designed to aid with assisted suicide.

This ban came just weeks before it was supposed to be used for the first time.

Suicide Capsule: 'Tesla of Euthanasia'

Assisted dying advocate Dr. Philip Nitschke, who created the suicide capsule, claimed that the 3D-printed device could allow users to painlessly and swiftly.

Patients must just press a button on the 3D-printed device. They would then die in a matter of seconds as nitrogen fills the capsule. This would resultantly induce hypoxia.

The suicide capsule, dubbed Sarco, was set to be used for euthanasia within the month. BBC reported in 2021 that the Sarco pod was to be launched in Switzerland with pending approval from regulatory bodies.

Suicide Capsule Banned

Initially, the pod was found to not violate the laws of Switzerland until recently.

Now, prosecutors from Schaffhausen Canton in Switzerland warn that anyone who uses the pods to assist in the death of someone could be imprisoned for up to five years.

Peter Sticher, a public prosecutor, warned that Nitschke would also face serious consequences for aiding, abetting, and inducing suicide for reasons that are selfish.

Sticher explained in a letter that there is no reliable data regarding the method of killing, adding that it is unclear who may control the mechanical procedure during the process of dying.

According to prosecutors, under section 115 of the penal code of the canton, it would not be possible to know who would be responsible for killing. Because of this, they have blocked the device instructions.

This ban follows Nitschke's announcement that Sarco's launch in Switzerland will happen in the coming weeks.

Ethical Concerns

The Sarco suicide capsule, described as the "Tesla of euthanasia," has garnered great controversy and attention due to how it would enable assisted suicide. This has sparked legal and ethical concerns regarding the control and regulation of the process of dying.

Critics have expressed concerns that the device could either be misused or that it could malfunction and result in unintended consequences.

An MIT review noted that if the device were to malfunction, it could fail to induce a state of unconsciousness. It could end up prolonging suffering rather than inducing a death that is swift and painless.

Pro-life groups have also warned that such futuristic and sleek-looking pods could end up glamorizing suicide.

James Mildred, the director of engagement at pro-life organization CARE, explained that they think that suicide is something that good societies must proactively seek to prevent. Mildred further notes that there are ethical ways to help humans that do not involve life destruction.

Critics also fear that the design of Sarco could attract vulnerable individuals who seek suicide without considering the grave consequences.

Concerned groups are currently calling for ethical considerations and safeguards to prevent possible misuse and that any technology for assisted suicide should work responsibly and safely.