The use of a Switzerland-based suicide machine is suspended and no longer accepting applications amidst a criminal investigation launched by the "peaceful, fast and dignified" death of the first person to utilize the product.
The "Sarco" suicide capsule is a coffin-sized chamber that allows its user to fill the space with nitrogen gas with the push of a button, resulting in sleep, and within minutes, death by suffocation. On Sept. 23, a 64-year-old American woman suffering from an autoimmune disease used the machine in a secluded Swiss cabin, overseen by Florian Willet.
Willet is the president of Last Resort, the Swiss assisted-suicide advocacy group behind the Sarco, was arrested following her death.
CTV News reported that 371 people were "in the process of applying" to use Sarco, but applications have now been suspended, according to Exit International.
According to Exit International, an affiliate advocacy group, Willet described her death as "peaceful, fast and dignified," though the claims are not possible to verify.
Assisted suicide is legal in Switzerland, on the condition that the person wishing to end their life takes the action themselves, and those who assist have no self-serving motive. The legal framework has created a trend of "suicide tourism," attracting travelers who wish to end their life.
Sarco's criminal investigation has renewed debate among Swiss lawmakers regarding assisted suicide. It is unknown at this time whether the Sarco's use will result in criminal conviction, regulatory changes or the machine's permanent termination.
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