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The first use of the controversial Sarco suicide capsule took place in a wooded area of Schaffhausen in northern Switzerland on September 23, 2024. The pod was designed to reportedly end the life of a 64-year-old American woman who had been suffering from chronic illness. The futuristic-looking device kills its user by releasing nitrogen gas into the sealed chamber. Swiss police have detained several people and a criminal case has been opened in connection with the suspected death. Unlike other European countries, Switzerland forbids active euthanasia, but has allowed assisted dying for decades. On September 24, Swiss interior minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider questioned its legality, saying use of the Sarco capsule is “not legally compliant.”
If you are having thoughts about suicide or self-harm or know someone who is experiencing them, help is available. In Hong Kong, dial 18111 for the Mental Health Support Hotline. You can also call +852 2896-0000 for The Samaritans or +852 2382-0000 for Suicide Prevention Services. For a list of helplines in other areas, visit: https://ibfp.org/resource/list-of-international-suicide-hotlines/
