Capsule replaces oxygen with nitrogen, causing death by hypoxia.
An assisted dying group expects a portable suicide pod to be used for the first time in Switpotentially zerland, within months, providing death without medical supervision, it said on Wednesday.
The space-age-looking Sarco capsule, first unveiled in 2019, replaces the oxygen inside it with nitrogen, causing death by hypoxia. It will cost $20 (about R360) to use.
The Last Resort organisation said it saw no legal obstacle to its use in Switzerland, where the law generally allows assisted suicide if the person commits the lethal act themselves.
"Since we have people queueing up asking to use the Sarco, it's very likely that it will take place pretty soon," said The Last Resort's chief executive Florian Willet at a press conference.
"I cannot imagine a more beautiful way [to die], of breathing air without oxygen until falling into an eternal sleep," he added.
The person wishing to die must first pass a psychiatric assessment of their mental capacity - a key legal requirement.
The person climbs into the capsule, closes the lid and is asked automated questions such as who they are, where they are and if they know what happens when they press the button.
Esta historia es de la edición July 19, 2024 de The Citizen.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición July 19, 2024 de The Citizen.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
US blamed for expo row
Analysts warn exclusion could have dire consequences for SA down the line.
4900 visas for critical skills jobs
South Africa has a list of almost 150 jobs considered by the department of employment and labour (DEL) to be in short supply.
Nsfas to decentralise
Department welcomes move, plans to set up regional, satellite offices.
Lawsuits cost health billions
Investigations stop R3 billion in fraudulent claims, parliament hears.
City face Inter reunion
Manchester City are braced for their Champions League reunion with Inter Milan at the start of an expanded tournament that will be \"so tough\" for the 2023 winners.
League Cup no inconvenience
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag insisted he still believed English football's League Cup remained a \"significant\" competition.
State of rates in Africa
Africa’s largest economies to make changes for first time in years.
RAF not about to 'implode'
»» Improvements not sustainable without legislative changes, says Letsoalo.
Can Superbalist grow?
Shein overtakes the SA retailer, while Bash is different kind of threat.
Crochet gets sex appeal
100% cotton yarn garments do not loose shape ina cold wash.