A 64-year-old American woman, the first to use the controversial Sarco ‘suicide pod’, received a final command from the machine before her death. The pod, designed for assisted suicide, has not been approved, leading to several arrests connected to her death.
Schaffhausen Police stated, “The public prosecutor’s office of the canton of Schaffhausen has initiated criminal proceedings against several individuals for incitement and aiding and abetting suicide (Article 115 of the Swiss Criminal Code). Several people have been detained.”
Authorities were alerted by a law firm on Monday, 23 September 2024, at 4:40 p.m., about an assisted suicide using the Sarco capsule at a forest hut in Merishausen. Schaffhausen police, forensic emergency services, and the public prosecutor’s office investigated the scene. Specialists from the Forensic Institute Zurich and the Institute of Legal Medicine Zurich were involved. The capsule was secured, and the deceased was taken for autopsy. Several individuals in Merishausen were also detained for further investigation into other possible criminal offences.
Sarco Pod (Suicide Machine) Used for First Time, 64-Year-Old American Woman Reportedly Dies in Device
The Sarco pod, a euthanasia device, has reportedly been used for the first time by a 64-year-old American woman.
Swiss police detained several people and launched an… pic.twitter.com/CGiKgS2xan
— Kristy Tallman (@KristyTallman) September 24, 2024
The woman, who had travelled to Switzerland to end her life, was instructed by the machine to press a button “if you want to die”. Dr. Philip Nitschke, the creator of the capsule, stated she “really wanted to die” and pressed the button almost immediately after entering the pod. She lost consciousness within two minutes and died after five minutes, showing only minor muscle twitches during the process, which was as expected.
🚨 SUICIDE POD USED FOR THE FIRST TIME
Multiple people have just been arrested after the infamous suicide pod was actually used for the first time in a Swiss forest.
Now while assisted dying is legally protected in some circumstances in Switzerland, the Sarco pod is not… pic.twitter.com/zm4DTzGnM4
— Dylan Page (@dylanpage910) September 24, 2024
For those struggling with mental health issues, assistance is available through Mental Health America. Contact them by calling or texting 988, or visit 988lifeline.org. Crisis Text Line can also be reached by texting MHA to 741741.
What Other Media Are Saying
- France24 reports on multiple arrests following a 64-year-old US woman’s machine-assisted suicide in Switzerland using the controversial Sarco capsule, raising legal and ethical questions about assisted dying.(read more)
- CBS News reports on the first use of a 3D-printed “suicide capsule” in Switzerland, leading to multiple arrests and a criminal case, highlighting legal debates and ethical concerns surrounding assisted dying.(read more)
- Hindustan Times reports on a 64-year-old US woman using a controversial ‘suicide pod’ in Switzerland, leading to arrests for inciting and aiding suicide, raising legal and ethical questions.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is the Sarco ‘suicide pod’?
The Sarco ‘suicide pod’ is a machine designed to provide assisted suicide treatments for patients.
Has the Sarco suicide pod been approved for use?
No, the Sarco suicide pod has not been approved for use.
Why were people arrested in connection with the woman’s death?
Several people were arrested for incitement and aiding and abetting suicide under Swiss law.
How long did it take for the woman to lose consciousness in the Sarco pod?
The woman lost consciousness within two minutes and died after five minutes.
What should you do if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health?
Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can also text MHA to 741741.
