Geneva: An American woman has become the first person to intentionally end her life using a controversial “suicide pod.” The incident took place on Monday in Switzerland, prompting authorities to arrest several individuals on charges of inciting and assisting suicide.
The 64-year-old woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, utilized a 3D-printed portable chamber known as Sarco to end her life. This device allows the user to initiate the process by pressing a button.
The use of this device has sparked a debate, raising significant legal and ethical concerns surrounding assisted suicide. Swiss authorities confirmed that the Sarco pod was employed near the town of Minsenshausen, close to the Swiss-German border.
Law enforcement agencies were notified by a law firm regarding the use of the device, which led to subsequent investigations. According to AFP, the machine displays a message stating, “If you want to die, press this button.” Once the button is pressed, nitrogen gas fills the pod, causing the user’s oxygen levels to dangerously drop, resulting in death within approximately ten minutes.
It is important to note that while assisting suicide is legal in Switzerland, active euthanasia remains prohibited.
