Image – Wikimedia Commons: Sarco, a euthanasia device invented by Philip Nitschke
A late amendment to Kim Leadbeater’s assisted suicide bill is seeking to ban the infamous Dr Death’s “Sarco Pod”, which killed its first user last year in Switzerland.
Conservative MP Greg Stafford seeks to ban the Sacro Pod, the invention of Philip Nitschke, also known as “Dr Death”.
The 3D-printable Sarco Pod kills occupants by flooding its small compartment with nitrogen gas, which causes death by asphyxiation.
The first death, that of an elderly American woman, occurred last year in an area of Swiss woodland.
Dr Florian Willet, an associate of Dr Nitschke, was arrested for his involvement in the woman’s death, though he was later released without charge. It was later revealed that Dr Willet also died by assisted suicide, this year.
Dr Nitschke, who burned his medical registration certificate in 2015, is a noted pro-assisted suicide advocate. He has written to MSP Liam McArthur to recommend the Sarco Pod for use in Scotland if McArthur’s assisted suicide bill is approved by the Scottish Parliament.
A dual Sarco Pod for couples has also been designed. Last year, it was reported that a British couple signed up to use the new variant.
Speaking to The Independent, Mr Stafford said: “The inventor of the Sarco death pod has stated that he would like to introduce his gas pods to this country. The assisted dying Bill, as drafted, would allow the Sarco pod to come to these shores.
“If accepted, my amendment would remove this possibility by requiring that regulations prohibit any device used for the self-administration of gas.
“We know that the public is uneasy with the Sarco pods. I very much hope that the Bill sponsor takes the opportunity to accept my amendment and makes it clear that she doesn’t support the introduction of these suicide pods in the UK.”
An official speaking on behalf of Ms Leadbeater said that it was “highly unlikely” that the amendment would be accepted for debate, “but that’s a decision for the Speaker”.
MPs are set to debate Kim Leadbeater’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill tomorrow on 13 June. The Bill proposes to legalise assisted suicide in England and Wales for terminally ill adults given six months to live.
A crucial vote is then expected to take place on 20 June.
SPUC is urging all concerned citizens to lobby their MPs to warn against the mortal threat posed by assisted suicide before it is too late.
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