Death by asphyxiation in Sarco Baume-Schneider: Controversial suicide capsule is not legally compliant
As things stand today, the controversial Sarco suicide capsule "may not be placed on the market" in Switzerland. With this announcement, Interior Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider makes it clear: the use of the asphyxiation capsule is illegal in Switzerland.
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- As things stand today, the controversial Sarco suicide capsule "may not be placed on the market" in Switzerland.
- This was stated by Health Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider on Monday during question time in the National Council.
- The Sarco does not meet the requirements of product safety legislation, and the use of nitrogen in the capsule is not compatible with the purpose article of the Chemicals Act, said Baume-Schneider.
- The Federal Councillor has thus clarified what was previously uncertain.
- Originally, the organization Exit International planned a Swiss premiere of the suicide machine for July.
- This prompted the public prosecutors of several cantons to announce that they would initiate criminal proceedings if the capsule was used in their jurisdiction.
The Sarco suicide capsule is not legally compliant in two respects. This was stated by Health Minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider on Monday during question time in the National Council. Firstly, the capsule does not meet the requirements of product safety legislation, said Baume-Schneider. It should therefore not be placed on the market. And secondly, the use of nitrogen in the capsule is not compatible with the purpose article of the Chemicals Act.
If measures based on product safety law were involved, the responsibility would have to be clarified on a case-by-case basis, Baume-Schneider explained. If nitrogen is not used in accordance with the regulations, the cantons are responsible.
Following Baume-Schneider's statement, it is more unclear than ever whether Sarco will ever be used in Switzerland.
Last summer, an announcement that the suicide capsule would be used in Switzerland sparked a debate about its legal conformity. Its possible use caused a stir among the Swiss public and politicians. The premiere was originally planned for July in the canton of Schaffhausen, and the public prosecutor's offices of several cantons announced that they would initiate criminal proceedings if the capsule was used in their jurisdiction.
Death from lack of oxygen
According to the Swiss Conference of Public Prosecutors (SSK), however, the suicide capsule does not create a new situation. Rather, it "offers a different way of killing oneself than injecting a lethal substance".
The capsule can be taken to any location. The person who wants to die gets into the capsule and lies down. The lid is then closed.
The person who wants to die presses a button and nitrogen flows into the cabin. This displaces the oxygen. After a few breaths, the person becomes unconscious, as the promoters of "Sarco" (from sarcophagus) explained. Death occurs after about five minutes. The occupant dies from lack of oxygen.
Suicidal thoughts? You can find help here:
- These services are available around the clock for people in suicidal crises and for those around them.
- Dargebotene Hand counseling hotline: Telephone number 143 or www.143.ch
- Pro Juventute counseling hotline (for children and young people): Telephone number 147 or www.147.ch
- Further addresses and information: www.reden-kann-retten.ch
- Addresses for people who have lost someone to suicide:
Refugium: Association for bereaved people after suicide
Sea of fog: Perspectives after the suicide of a parent
SDA