An assisted suicide device dubbed the “Tesla of euthanasia” is due to be used for the first time in Switzerland next week but is facing backlash.
The pod, named “Sacro” and created by 76-year-old Dr Philipp Nitschke, was due to be used in Switzerland next week. according to Metro, but prosecutors are now fighting to ban its use, the outlet reported.
Voluntary assisted suicide is legal in the country, but some have questioned whether it idealises death, with pro-life groups arguing it “glorifies suicide”, reports the Daily Mail. report.
The pods would be filled with nitrogen, which would rapidly reduce oxygen levels inside while keeping carbon dioxide levels low, providing “peaceful, euphoric conditions for death.” according to Sarco's website. According to Metro, the process takes about 10 minutes.
The process was also filmed and the footage will later be given to the coroner, the media reported. (Related: Nearly 20 states considering bills to legalize assisted suicide).
Controversial suicide pod dubbed 'Tesla of euthanasia' used for first time https://t.co/4zzJw0Mww7 pic.twitter.com/OE83F5Yiow
— New York Post (@nypost) July 17, 2024
Swiss tabloid newspaper “Blick” report Schaffhausen prosecutors have opened an investigation into the pods, saying that their use could have “serious legal consequences.” According to reports, prosecutors have said that anyone who uses the device to assist in the death of another person could face up to five years in prison.
“There is no reliable information regarding the method of the murder,” prosecutor Peter Sticher reportedly wrote to Nitschke.[It is] It is completely unclear who controls which mechanical steps during the dyeing process.”
Nitschke detailed the process in a 2023 interview with the Daily Mail.
“A person walks into the machine and is asked three questions, which they answer verbally: 'Who are you?', 'Where are you?' and 'Do you know what will happen if I press the button?'” he told media. “And once you've answered those questions verbally, the software powers it on and you can press the button.”
“Then you press the button and they die immediately,” he told the Daily Mail.
