Sarco Suicide Pod 

Source: The post on What is Sarco, a suicide pod under legal scrutiny in Switzerland after US woman’s death is based on the article “What is Sarco, a suicide pod under legal scrutiny in Switzerland after US woman’s death” published in “Indian Express” on 30th september 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, Switzerland police arrested four individuals linked to the death of a 64-year-old American woman on September 23, 2024. The woman, who had an autoimmune condition, reportedly used a ‘suicide pod’ called Sarco to end her life.

What is Euthanasia and Assisted Dying?

Euthanasia involves a physician administering a lethal drug to a person. It can be voluntary (with patient consent) or involuntary (without patient consent, such as when the patient is in a coma).

Assisted Dying: The individual self-administers a lethal substance, with medical assistance limited to providing the drug. It does not require the person to be terminally ill.

About the Sarco Pod

1. The Sarco Pod is a euthanasia device designed to facilitate assisted suicide in a peaceful and controlled manner.

2. It was created by Dr. Philip Nitschke, an Australian physician and founder of the pro-euthanasia group Exit International.

3. The Sarco Pod aligns with the concept of “death with dignity,” although its legal status varies depending on the country or region.

4. The pod is designed to be transportable, allowing individuals to end their lives autonomously and in a dignified manner without needing medical assistance.

Key Features of the Sarco Pod:

1.  It is a 3D-printed, capsule-shaped pod that can be activated by the user from inside.

2. Mechanism: The device works by filling the pod with nitrogen, which reduces the oxygen levels rapidly. This leads to loss of consciousness within a few seconds, followed by a peaceful death due to hypoxia (lack of oxygen) within minutes.

3. Autonomy: A central aspect of the Sarco Pod is that the individual can activate the process independently, making it a self-administered method of euthanasia.

4. Transportable: It is designed to be mobile, meaning it can be used in different locations, potentially in a setting of the user’s choosing, such as a natural outdoor environment.

5. Legal and Ethical Controversies: The Sarco Pod has sparked considerable debate worldwide, with questions about the ethical implications of euthanasia, the legal status of such devices, and concerns about misuse.

 UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology