Social IssuesGS4-Ethics
Sarco: A Suicide Pod
The Sarco, a coffin-sized machine designed by Exit International, is designed to assist in assisted dying. It has come under scrutiny following an incident in Switzerland.
October 1, 2024
Key Points
- 1Switzerland police arrested at least four persons for involvement in the death of a 64-year-old American woman by a 'suicide pod' on September 23.
- 2The Sarco pod is designed by Exit International and engineered by Dr. Philip Nitschke.
- 3Euthanasia relies on a physician administering a lethal drug, whereas assisted dying relies on self-administration of a lethal substance.
- 4The Sarco pod consists of a 3D-printed detachable capsule placed on a stand with a canister of liquid nitrogen.
- 5Active euthanasia is banned in Switzerland, but assisted dying and assisted suicide are legal under certain conditions.
- 6The Swiss authorities allege the Sarco capsule does not comply with existing product safety laws.
Important Terms
SarcoSuicide PodEuthanasiaAssisted DyingSwitzerland
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Last Updated: 7/16/2025