The Sarco capsule, which is designed as painless PAS (Physician-Assisted Suicide), was created by Dr. Philip Nitschke, an Australian physician and prominent advocate for euthanasia. The Sarco uses nitrogen to gently induce sleep, leading to death within 10 minutes
Dr. Nitschke believes that Sarco offers individuals the autonomy to die peacefully, stating, “It gives them the power to start the process of dying on their own terms.” He has spent years developing devices to support what he views as the right to a peaceful death. Before developing Sarco, he created a machine called the Deliverance, which used drugs to assist in euthanasia. After four deaths were linked to Deliverance, changes in the law regarding suicide banned its use.
However, Sarco operates differently. It uses nitrogen instead of drugs. The process begins with an assessment of mental competency. If deemed capable, the person enters the capsule, and the lid is sealed. A voice prompt follows, asking for confirmation and stating, “Press the button if you wish to proceed.” Once pressed, the oxygen level in the capsule quickly drops, and nitrogen takes over, causing the person to lose consciousness within seconds.
Recently, on September 23, a 64-year-old American woman with an immune disorder ended her life by using Sarco in a forest near Maurishausen, Switzerland. Although Switzerland allows PAS, the Sarco capsule has not been approved by the federal government due to concerns regarding safety and legal requirements. At the time of her death, those associated with Sarco are now under investigation for potentially assisting and encouraging her suicide.
How much money was spent for this woman to die using Sarco? Surprisingly, the cost of utilizing Sarco is 18 CHF, which is approximately 28,000 KRW. According to Korea’s minimum wage in 2025, this amount is sufficient for only three hours of work. In contrast, previous PAS machines required at least about 10 million KRW. However, since Sarco only requires payment volkskrant.nl for the nitrogen needed for operation and the capsule itself is reusable, the overall cost of using Sarco can be kept low. There are concerns that the low cost of death may be accompanied by pain. Nevertheless, Dr. Philip Nitschke, the inventor of this device, stated that people can experience happiness right before they die. It is said that humans can lose their sense of direction and control, entering a painless state while inhaling a high concentration of nitrogen and a low concentration of oxygen.
The painless death at a low cost is appealing to many individuals. Since the first death carried out by Sarco, 371 people have applied to use the device. However, their requests for the PAS procedure will not be processed for some time due to legal reasons. The Swiss government has legally recognized active euthanasia and has operated a PAS system since 1942. However, Sarco was implemented without official approval, and the Swiss Minister of Home Affairs has indicated that it violates Swiss law. As previously mentioned, it does not comply with the requirements of the Product Safety Act, and the nitrogen used in Sarco contravenes the purpose provisions of the Chemical Substances Act. Furthermore, to administer PAS in Switzerland, a doctor must consult with the patient several times before determining whether to prescribe the drug, adhering to strict conditions. In contrast, Sarco can be used by anyone over the age of 50, provided they possess a mental health certificate. In response, the Swiss government has opposed the use of Sarco, and even groups that support PAS have expressed their disapproval.
On the other hand, the most frequently discussed aspect of Sarco is its cost, which is only 28,000 KRW. Although Sarco has not received approval, if it is authorized in the future and the use of the PAS device can be offered at an affordable price, it will spark significant debate. ST gathered opinions from Soongsilians regarding this matter. Supporters argue that the low cost may lead to the value of life being underestimated, as it allows for the possibility of ending a precious person’s life for less than 30,000 KRW. They contend that this small financial barrier makes access to death relatively easy, potentially resulting in an increase in irreversible decisions.
The controversy surrounding the pros and cons of euthanasia and PAS has persisted for a considerable time. According to Korea Research, 82% of respondents supported the legislation of PAS, while 18% opposed it. Proponents argue that individuals should have the right to self-determination, allowing them to end their lives rather than endure a painful and prolonged battle with illness or face a distressing end. Conversely, opponents contend that PAS is not only unethical and contrary to medical ethics, but they also express concerns that the availability of devices like Sarco could foster a societal inclination toward death.
Still, some Soongsilians on the opposing side argue that it is reasonable to significantly lower the price from the previous millions of won. They assert that if the right to die comfortably is priced as before, it creates an unfair situation in which only the rich can access this right. They believe that everyone should have the opportunity to end their lives without suffering, just as everyone is born equal. What do you think? Is it ethically permissible to choose the end of one’s own life? Is it justifiable to exchange the right to die comfortably for a tiny fee? The ethical issue of human death has been around for a long time. As technological advancements broaden the options for death, it is our responsibility to engage in profound reflection regarding our future.
Kwon Da-hee (Web Editor)
kkkdiee@soongsil.ac.kr
Kim Min-ju (ST Cub-Reporter)
Minju900@soongsil.ac.kr
