In a photo sent by the association The Last Resort, which promotes this device causing death by nitrogen hypoxia, this purple mini-cabin screwed onto wheels rests in the darkness of an undergrowth in the canton of Schaffhausen, near Merishausen, in the north of Switzerland, a stone’s throw from Germany, a few hours before its use by the sixty-year-old.
The Last Resort co-president Florian Willet, “the only person present” when the American woman from the Midwest, who suffered from a “severe immune deficiency”, died, described her passing as “peaceful, quick and dignified”.
This is the first time that this capsule has been used, according to Swiss media.
She died on Monday around 4:00 p.m. (2:00 p.m. GMT), at almost the same time as Swiss Interior Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider told MPs that the “Sarco suicide capsule is not legal” for reasons of safety and incompatibility with the law on chemicals.
The Schaffhausen public prosecutor’s office was informed on Monday by a law firm “that an assisted suicide using the Sarco capsule had taken place in a forest cabin in Merishausen in the afternoon”.
“We found the capsule with the unconscious person inside,” Schaffhausen’s chief prosecutor, Peter Sticher, told the Swiss daily Blick. “We arrested several people (…) to prevent them from colluding with each other or hiding evidence.”
The promoters of the capsule had been warned. “We said that if they came to Schaffhausen and used Sarco, they would face criminal consequences,” Sticher said. A criminal investigation has been opened “for incitement and assistance to suicide.”
Police announced the arrests on Tuesday after Dutch daily De Volkskrant reported that one of its photographers had been arrested in connection with the case.
– “Not in accordance with the law” –
Assisted suicide is possible in Switzerland, under very specific conditions, but this “Sarco capsule” – named thus by its promoters – has caused a stir since its presentation in July.
Invented by Australian Philip Nitschke, a former doctor known for his controversial positions on the end of life, the capsule comes in the form of a transportable mini-cabin.
The person wishing to end their life must lie down in it, answer a series of questions to confirm that they understand what they are doing before pressing a button that releases nitrogen.
She is expected to lose consciousness after a few breaths and die within a few minutes, according to The Last Resort.
This device has raised important ethical questions but also many legal questions to determine whether or not it can be considered legal in Switzerland.
In Switzerland, according to the law, only those who, “driven by a selfish motive”, assist someone in committing suicide are punishable. The practice of organised assistance with suicide is, however, regulated by medical codes of ethics and organisations such as Exit and Dignitas, which have set their own safeguards (age, illnesses, etc.).
The Last Resort says its lawyers have always believed its use in Switzerland was legal.
In July, Mr Willet said Switzerland was chosen because of its “wonderful liberal” system. “Switzerland is by far the best place,” he said.
According to The Last Resort, the capsule is free to use, but the cost of the nitrogen is 18 francs (19 euros).
The association says that “in due course, the 3D printing plans” for the device will be published, “so that people over 50 and of sound mind” can print it, at a cost of around 15,000 euros.
