June 21st 2025.
Renowned inventor Philip Nitschke recently made headlines when he entered his latest creation, a 'suicide pod' known as 'Sarco', in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. This controversial device has caused quite a stir, and Nitschke has announced his plans to bring it to Britain after a bill to legalize assisted dying was passed in its final vote.
The bill, which would allow terminally ill adults to receive assistance in ending their own lives under certain safeguards, was voted in favor by 314 MPs in the Commons, marking a historic moment. It will now undergo further scrutiny in the House of Lords before becoming law. Nitschke, a well-known euthanasia activist and often referred to as 'Dr Death', hopes to use his Sarco suicide capsule, also known as the 'Tesla of assisted dying', in the UK following the vote.
In an interview with The Times, Nitschke expressed his enthusiasm for bringing the device to the UK as soon as the final legislation is in place. However, he acknowledges that finding a UK-registered doctor to assist with the process may not be easy, as the attention and scrutiny surrounding the use of the device may deter many doctors. He hopes to find someone who is passionate about the cause and willing to take on the challenge.
Recent polls have shown that the majority of the UK public supports the legalization of assisted dying. Nitschke, who has been at the forefront of several controversial inventions related to euthanasia, including the 'Deliverance' suicide machine, 'the Coma machine', 'the Exit bag', and now 'Sarco', believes that attitudes towards assisted dying are changing worldwide.
The Sarco pod allows users to end their own lives without the need for an operator. By pushing a button, nitrogen gas is injected into the sealed chamber, causing death by suffocation. Last September, a 64-year-old woman became the first person to use the Sarco pod at a remote woodland retreat in Switzerland. However, the use of the device was suspended after the woman was found with strangulation marks on her neck, prompting a police investigation.
As the assisted dying bill progresses, people are curious about its main measures. The bill, proposed by Kim Leadbeater and aptly named the Terminally Ill Adults Bill, would only apply to individuals who can no longer be treated. It would apply to adults in England and Wales who have an untreatable, progressive illness and are expected to live for six months or less. These individuals must also have the mental capacity to make a decision and a clear, informed wish to end their own life, without any pressure or coercion from others. The bill also requires two separate declarations of their desire to die, as well as assessments from two doctors and a review by a panel of experts. The process also includes periods of reflection to ensure the decision is not made impulsively.
With the passing of this bill, individuals who are facing the end of their lives may have the option to choose how and when they die. While the use of the Sarco pod may be controversial, it has sparked important conversations about the right to die with dignity. Only time will tell how this legislation will impact end-of-life care in the UK.
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