The “first use” of the Sarco assisted suicide pod in Switzerland has now been postponed again. The legal difficulties around it may well represent a permanent barrier to any future use. The Swiss authorities say that it will need specific authorisation. EXIT argues that no such authorisation is necessary because it is not a “medical” application and there is nothing toxic involved.
The legal battle continues but no outcome is likely within the near future. The contoversy itself stems largely from the recent fall-out between Pegasos and EXIT. Their partnership had been one of successful co-operation until a few weeks ago when, largely concerning the use of the Sarco, the relationship became strained.
There is now a real risk that the dispute and the publicity relating to it will provide fresh impetus for Swiss opposition to “suicide tourism”. EXIT’s most recent release talks about “the lucrative Swiss suicide industry” and emphasises their own efforts to “democratise” it. This website’s own view is that such opposition will not succeed and that Swiss law will remain as it is. The increase in such a risk, however, is one of real concern.
