Assisted suicide organization wants Netherlands to allow controversial Sarco pod
Those in the Netherlands in life threatening danger should immediately dial 112 for emergencies, and anyone suffering from depression or contemplating suicide can call 113 Zelfmoordpreventie at any time by dialing either 113 or 0800-0113, or by visiting 113.nl.
The Cooperative Last Will (CLW) organization is hoping to make the use of Sarco possible in the Netherlands which is a suicide capsule with nitrogen gas that was recently used in Switzerland for the first time. The suicide device was developed and manufactured in the Netherlands. Its first use, in September on a 64-year-old American, caused a stir.
CLW wants to make agreements with national politicians about permitting the use of the Sarco. The big question is whether making it available to members of CLW is a form of assisted suicide, which is prohibited. The club will submit this question to the Public Prosecution Service.
The cooperative is known for the suicide device X. They have said that they can already envision how Sarco would be used. "Because it is transportable, we will make the Sarco available in a trailer in a storage facility. Members have access to the use of the Sarco. Members can reserve the Sarco without the intervention of anyone else and manage or use the reserved period."
The procedure would be available via registration through DigiD which would then lead to extensive discussions with the person in question. “This is not only a practical step but also a moment to take the time to think carefully about the decision you are making.”
After registering, CLW’s plans would be for there to be a waiting time before you can actually ask for the capsule. There would be plenty of talks after this moment to decide whether the person in question is still behind the decision. It is also determined whether this person is competent enough to make the decision.
Eventually, the Sarco would be applied. “This could be at home, in natural surroundings, or a different place where you feel at ease.” Everyone can decide for themselves what happens next. “Maybe a last toast, a hug, or a small moment of silence. After that, you step into the Sarco. You can control the machine yourself inside the device.”
CLW has said that the machine has been developed in a way that people can pass away within ten minutes in a painless and calm way.
Reporting by ANP
