A planned launch of the space-age death pod dubbed the ‘Tesla Of Euthanasia’ has been scrapped in Switzerland.
Suicide expert Philip Nitschke, 76, dubbed Dr Death, revealed on 28th July, that the introduction of the 3D-printed Sarco pod has been “permanently postponed”.
It has emerged that the patient who volunteered to die in the pod is suffering from mental health issues.
The test pilot, reportedly an American woman in her 50s, is now said to be receiving psychiatric treatment.
The trial had been scheduled for 17th July but was suspended when it became clear the patient was not fit to make the decision.
Nitschke explained: “Given her state, it is clear that this person should now receive psychological care rather than assisted suicide.”
The former physician said he is now looking to select a new candidate “who hopes to use the device”.
Nitschke’s pod is capable of killing its occupants at the press of a button by flooding the coffin-like chamber with nitrogen depriving them of oxygen.
He had planned to use them at his Exit International group’s Swiss euthanasia centres.
But Swiss prosecutors warned earlier this month, that anyone assisting someone in using the pods could face up to five years behind bars.
Schaffhausen Canton Public Prosecutor Peter Sticher warned of “serious consequences” for Nitschke for “inducement and aiding and abetting suicide for selfish reasons.”
In a letter obtained by Swiss media, Sticher said: “There is no reliable information about the method of killing.
“[It is] completely unclear who has control over which mechanical process during the dying process.”
Prosecutors said that under section 115 of the canton’s penal code, it would be impossible to establish just who was doing the killing
Would-be users would have to fill in an online survey before being given a pod’s location and an access code, like a delivery mailbox.
Then inside the capsule, they confirm who they are, where they are, and if they know what happens when they press the button.
If they go ahead a flood of nitrogen lowers the oxygen level from 21 per cent to just one per cent, killing them in 30 seconds.
Nitschke explained: “Death takes place through hypoxia and hypocapnia, oxygen and carbon dioxide deprivation, respectively. There is no panic, no choking.”
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Story By: Georgina Jedikovska, Sub-Editor: Georgina Jedikovska, Agency: Newsflash
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