Press This Button to Die... Switzerland Prepares to Introduce Suicide Machine, Allowing People to Choose Their Own Death


The Last Resort organization, which assists with euthanasia, has announced that the use of a new machine for this purpose could begin soon. This device, known as the Sarco, allows individuals to select their method of death by pressing a button, leading to death within minutes. This development has sparked debate in Switzerland.


Highlights:

  • Switzerland Prepares for Suicide Machine Use: The Sarco is a portable suicide machine that offers a way to die without medical supervision, expected to be available in the coming months. Unveiled for the first time in 2019, the machine resembles a space capsule and works by converting oxygen into nitrogen, causing death through hypoxia. According to AFP, the Last Resort organization sees no issues with the machine's use in Switzerland, where assisted suicide is permitted under specific conditions.

  • Functionality of the Machine: The CEO of The Last Resort, Florian Willett, stated that the machine might start being used very soon. He remarked, "I can’t imagine a more beautiful way to die." To use the Sarco, individuals must first pass a psychological assessment to ensure their mental capacity, a key legal requirement in Switzerland. The inventor, Philip Nitschke, explained that once inside the capsule, the machine asks pre-recorded questions to the user, such as their identity, location, and understanding of the button's function.

  • How It Works: After the user confirms their intent to die, a voice prompt directs them to press a button. Once pressed, the oxygen level in the machine drops from 21% to 0.05% in under 30 seconds, causing the user to lose consciousness and remain in that state for about five minutes before death. Nitschke mentioned that the first death using this machine could occur soon but noted that once a person reaches the point of no return, there is no option to reverse the process. The identity of the first user remains undecided.

This development is generating significant discussion and concern as it introduces a new method for voluntary death.