- By Shivangi Sharma
- Thu, 26 Sep 2024 03:53 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a controversial move, UK-based couple Christine Scott, 80, and her husband Peter, 86, are preparing to become the first couple to use a double 'suicide pod' for assisted dying. Concerned about the delays in receiving timely NHS treatment, they have turned to this option as they face their declining health and seek to end their lives on their own terms.
Christine and Peter doubt they will receive timely NHS treatment and are seeking to become the first couple to use a controversial double 'suicide pod' for assisted dying. They have enrolled with the Swiss organisation ‘The Last Resort,’ which facilitates access to the ‘Sarco machine’, a capsule designed by Dr. Philip Nitschke, known in the media as “Dr. Death".
Peter expressed concern about the unlikelihood of receiving prompt care for age-related issues, stating, “You end up trapped by infirmity and pain.” He added that the thought of witnessing Chris's mental decline alongside his physical deterioration is terrifying.
Peter said he “would not want to go on living without” Christine and the couple are planning to use the as-yet untried double suicide ‘Sarco Machine’.
This comes after a 64-year-old woman from the US became the first to use the Sarco capsule for assisted suicide in Switzerland.
Following this event, several people were arrested on suspicion of inciting and aiding suicide, with authorities confirming the detentions on Tuesday. The arrests were linked to the discovery of the Sarco capsule's use in a forest the day before, with regional police stating the detainees were suspected of "inducing and aiding and abetting suicide".
The Sarco pod, created by Philip Nitschke and made using 3D printing technology, allows individuals to die from nitrogen hypoxia, a method that replaces oxygen with nitrogen, leading to unconsciousness and death within minutes. Unlike traditional euthanasia methods, the Sarco pod enables users to initiate the process without needing a doctor's assistance.