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Switzerland is one of those countries where assisted suicide is legal. This means an individual suffering from some serious illness is given a way to end their life, typically to end the suffering and rest in peace. But unlike Euthanasia, where another person triggers the death process, Assisted Suicide needs a person seeking death to take the final action call voluntarily. In the country’s progressive stance on euthanasia where an individual chooses his death with dignity, the recent launch of the SARCO Death Pod has sparked intrigue and controversy all at once.
In this article, we will understand what SARCO Death Pod is and How it works. We will also look out for concerns that are raised around the world after the news comes out loud.
What is the SARCO Death Pod?
SARCO Death Pod is a 3D Printed Capsule designed to provide a peaceful death as claimed by its inventor Dr. Philip Nitschke. It is one of its kind and a futuristic device. Cmon, who could have imagined we would be inventing death machines? The Pod is portable and can be transported to any location of a person’s choice.
How it works?
The person who is willing to die will get inside the pod and the pod will be closed. Secondly, there is a button inside the pod that an individual willing to die has to press to initiate the death process.
Once the button is pressed there is no going back, the generator sitting beneath the capsule starts to produce a large amount of nitrogen which is then released inside the pod. As we know Nitrogen is a very effective eliminator of Oxygen. So it removes the entire oxygen within the pod and the individual will die within minutes due to hypoxia, a state in which the body is deprived of adequate oxygen supply.
Is this Device Legal?
This device is only legal in Switzerland right now which has one of the most permissible laws for euthanasia in the world. Although the reactions it is receiving are mixed but also raises several concerns of abuse and death being more accessible. So will have to wait to see how it is been adopted around the world as assisted suicide is not legal everywhere.
Charges to access SARCO?
As per the initial report, charges are kept as little as $20 for anyone to access it and use it. However, there could be several reports that you have to present to authorities before accessing it which will increase your expenses further.
Concerns raised by SARCO Death Pod
As soon as the SARCO Death Pod came into the limelight, it raised several concerns among people around the world.
- Moral Implication – People questioned the morality of developing a machine that could end your life. Arguing that it would normalize suicide and devalue human life. While also raising questions such as whether it can guarantee painless death as intended.
- Could lead to Abuse – There was a fear among people that if the device fell into the hands of someone who would try to misuse it for his benefit or force someone to get into it and his benefit.
- Medical Professional Raising Concerns about Medical Ethics – The foundation of Medical Ethics is to be committed to preserving life and fighting for it till the end. But the invention of such a device and bringing it into use will erode the foundational belief.
- Impact on Mental Health – Today when we are mentally not healthy we try to reach out to Mental Health Professionals and improve our way for a better life. But with this device coming into use, death will be a viable option for someone who is going through serious mental depression, which is another debate in itself.
- Severe Impact on Vulnerable Population – Vulnerable Populations which include elderly people, the disabled, and those suffering from life-threatening diseases will feel pressure to end their lives rather than seek medical health and alternative care and support.
Hope you liked this article on SARCO Death Pod. Check out more stories like this – World Story
