Switzerland introduces world's first portable 'suicide pod', here is how it works and how much it costs

Switzerland has introduced a new way to die at peace - a suicide pod, the first in the world. The space-age-looking Sarco capsule, first unveiled in 2019, helps terminally ill patients cross the bridge to the other side. The suicide pod is often dubbed as the ‘Tesla of euthanasia”.

Here is all you need to know about it.

What is a suicide pod and how does it work?

The suicide pod was created by Dr Philip Nitschke, a vocal advocate for assisted dying. He claims that the pod will help users die swiftly and painlessly. However, the prosecutors in Switzerland's Schaffhausen Canton said a few days back that if anyone is caught assisting someone in using the pods, they can face nearly five years of imprisonment, as reported by Swiss media.

The Last Resort organisation revealed that they are not facing any legal obstacle to its use in Switzerland, as the law generally allows assisted suicide if the person commits the lethal act himself.

How does it work?

The first step to enter the suicide pod is to pass a psychiatric assessment of their mental capacity -- a key legal requirement.

After that, they climb into the purple capsule and close the lid. After this, the pod asks them automated questions such as who they are, where they are and if they know what happens when they press the button.

"'If you want to die', the voice says in the processor, 'Press this button'," revealed inventor Philip Nitschke. Soon after the button is pressed, oxygen in the air plummets from 21 per cent to 0.05 per cent in less than 30 seconds. Within two breaths they will start to feel disorientated, uncoordinated and slightly euphoric before losing consciousness. In five minutes, death strikes as the oxygen level reduces. The Sarco monitors the oxygen level in the capsule, the person's heart rate and the oxygen saturation of the blood.

As for someone changing their mind at the very last minute, the inventor said: "Once you press that button, there's no way of going back."

According to reports, the minimum age to enter the capsule is 50. Exceptions may be made for seriously ill individuals over 18.

The device, which cost over €650,000 ($710,401) to develop over 12 years, is currently limited to accommodate individuals up to 1.73 metres tall (5 feet 7 inches approx). The company plans to introduce couple pods as well. The user would have to pay 18 Swiss francs ($20) for the nitrogen.

What is the Euthanasia law in Switzerland?

The Swiss Criminal Code of 1942 allows adults to assist in another person's suicide, provided the motive is not "selfish." Since 1985, organizations have been legally providing assisted suicide services under specific regulations. Doctors are allowed to prescribe and administer drugs for this purpose. Assisted suicide is lawful regardless of the condition of the person requesting it.

Which countries have legalised Euthanasia?

Assisted dying and euthanasia are legal in the Netherlands. It is legal if the patient is enduring unbearable suffering with no prospect of improvement. Euthanasia and assisted dying is also allowed in Belgium, Luxembourg, Canada and Colombia.

Meanwhile, assisted suicide is allowed in California, Colorado, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington state, Vermont and the District of Columbia.

Is Euthanasia legal in India?

In India, both euthanasia and assisted suicide are illegal. However, in 2018, the Supreme Court legalised passive euthanasia. They permit ‘living wills’, allowing people to decide in advance about the course of treatment, in a space where they cannot make decisions. The court ruled that “a person having the mental capacity to make an informed decision has the right to refuse medical treatment, including withdrawal from life-saving devices”.

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