Switzerland has given its approval to an innovative method for individuals seeking euthanasia. Dr. Philip Nitschke, a pioneering Australian doctor and the founder of Exit International, has designed a suicide capsule machine as a peaceful, reliable, and drug-free alternative for those considering assisted suicide.
Nitschke, the first doctor in the world to legally administer a lethal injection for assisted suicide, aimed to provide individuals with a more comfortable and controlled option. Traditionally, patients underwent an injection of liquid sodium pentobarbital, inducing sleep and eventually leading to a coma before death. However, Nitschke’s capsule offers a different approach to end-of-life choices.
Earlier this year, the 76-year-old doctor revealed that the suicide capsule had met all legal requirements, clearing the way for its use. Describing the process, Nitschke explained, “The person will get into the capsule and lie down. It’s very comfortable. They will be asked a number of questions, and when they have answered, they may press the button inside the capsule, activating the mechanism in their own time.”
The capsule is equipped with a nitrogen-flooding system, rapidly reducing the oxygen level from 21 percent to 1 percent. Nitschke outlined the experience: “The person will feel a little disoriented and may feel slightly euphoric before they lose consciousness. The whole thing takes about 30 seconds.” Death occurs through hypoxia and hypocapnia, oxygen and carbon dioxide deprivation, respectively, ensuring a tranquil passing without panic or choking sensations.
In the final moments, the nitrogen induces a euphoric feeling for patients, offering a unique and humane approach to end-of-life decisions. The approval of this suicide capsule marks a significant advancement in the ongoing debate surrounding voluntary euthanasia and assisted suicide.
