A 64-year-old American woman has died using a controversial suicide pod in Switzerland, prompting a police investigation. The device, known as the Sarco pod, was developed by the company The Last Resort and is designed to allow users to end their lives by releasing nitrogen gas, leading to death by suffocation. The company confirmed that the woman, who had been suffering from a severe illness causing intense pain, used the pod on Monday with only the company’s co-president present.
Swiss authorities have detained several people and are investigating the incident on suspicion of incitement and accessory to suicide. Assisted suicide has been legal in Switzerland since the 1940s, making it a destination for people seeking “suicide tourism.” The Sarco pod, which is equipped with a button inside that the user must press to initiate the process, has sparked controversy over its use and potential legal implications.
The woman’s identity has not been released, but The Last Resort stated that she had been struggling with severe health issues for years. The company expected scrutiny following the pod’s first use and emphasized that the woman’s death was “peaceful, fast, and dignified.” They have cooperated with the authorities as the investigation continues.
The incident has reignited the debate over assisted suicide and the ethics of using such devices. While some see it as a means of providing a dignified end for those suffering, others are concerned about the potential for misuse and the moral implications. The Sarco pod is currently in police custody as investigations proceed.
