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A doctor has pledged to introduce “death pods” to the United Kingdom if an assisted dying bill is passed into law.
Dr. Philip Nitschke, 77, has developed the Sarco, a 3D-printed, portable machine designed to fill with nitrogen gas. He has announced plans to bring the device to the U.K. should assisted dying become legal. 3D printing is becoming increasingly popular, with growing adoption across various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and design, as the technology matures and becomes more accessible. However, these capsules have been seen as controversial.
Dubbed the “Tesla of euthanasia,” the machine is designed to allow users to press a button, filling the sealed pod with nitrogen gas. This process is intended to cause the individual to fall asleep before dying from oxygen deprivation. Dr. Nitschke believes the device would appeal to those seeking assisted dying but who prefer an alternative to lethal injections or medication cocktails. He is now keen to introduce the machine to the U.K.
“I don’t think making people run through some sort of an obstacle course just to have a peaceful death is very compassionate or fair.”
Too many safeguards on assisted dying could make legislation “unworkable”, warns @PhilipNitschke.#TimesRadio pic.twitter.com/OFwnAR8hid
— Times Radio (@TimesRadio) November 24, 2024
On Friday (Nov. 29), MPs will vote on Labour MP Kim Leadbeater’s assisted dying bill. If approved, the bill will advance to the next stage of the legislative process for further debate and review. If it successfully passes all stages, the legislation will legalize assisted dying for terminally ill, mentally competent adults. The bill is expected to “allow adults who are terminally ill, subject to safeguards to be assisted to end their own life; and for connected purpose.”
Sarco ‘death pods’ face backlash
Speaking ahead of the vote, Dr. Nitschke told The Telegraph: “We have a lot of members there and a lot of U.K. people following the Sarco project very closely. There would be a lot of scope. I would be very keen to do that.
“It seems to me that will just provide an additional option for those who don’t want the needle and who don’t want the drink… who do like what I describe as the stylish and elegant means that is provided by this device in some idyllic location.”
Dr. Nitschke explained that the Sarco pod allows individuals the choice of “picking the day and the time” they wish to die.
The Sarco pods faced controversy after Swiss police investigated the death of a user reportedly found with strangulation marks. While assisted dying is legal without selfish motives in Switzerland, all involved denied wrongdoing. Authorities confiscated two completed machines during the investigation.
Nevertheless, Dr. Nitschke said he saw “no reason” why the third machine, currently under construction in Rotterdam, could not be brought to the U.K. if the law is amended.
Is assisted dying legal in the U.S.?
Medically assisted dying is legal for adults in 11 of the 50 U.S. states. In Washington, D.C., the Death with Dignity Act of 2016 allows doctors to prescribe medication for self-administration.
Recent legislative changes now allow for a broader range of healthcare providers in the district to approve requests for medically assisted death and permit the medications to be mailed to patients rather than requiring in-person collection.
Featured image: Ratel via Wikicommons / Canva
