Sarco ‘demise pod’ physician says he is desires to convey invention to Britain if invoice passes
The Government are due to read the assisted dying bill in the House of Commons next week, and a suicide pod business man said he’s ready to bring it to the UK if the bill is passed
Another shocking development of the first Sarco suicide deepens as a creator Dr Philip Nitschke said he would being the controversial device to the UK if assisted dying became legal.
The doctor received after his co-worker was tasked with overseeing the death of a 64-year-old woman inside the suicide pod which was located in a forested area Merishausen, Switzerland, on September 23. The euthanasia campaigner is co-president of The Last Resort, a company which partners with fellow euthanasia advocate and machine creator, Dr Florian Willet.
The so-called pod is a 3D-printed portable machine that floods with nitrogen gas which assists someone passing away with just the press of a button. Currently, assisted dying is illegal in the UK, but rumours were circling that it could be bought up in parliament as Labour formed their Government this year.
READ MORE: What we know about Sarco suicide pod now
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The Private Member’s Bill is due for its second reading in the House of Commons at the end of next week, and could be seen passed through. Despite the controversy, the machine is fitted with a clear screen so loved ones and the dying can see their last moments.
Nitschke’s justification was that certain people do not want to endure drugs to end their life, and instead would rather the choice of the machine. He told The Telegraph he’s keen to bring it to the UK market.
He said: “We have a lot of members there, and a lot of UK 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 it 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.”
Assisted dying is currently legal in 11 countries, including Spain and Switzerland, as long as there is no “selfish” motive behind it.
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
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