October 21, 2017
Nitschke Invents 3D Printable Euthanasia Machine
SOUTH Australia’s own “Dr Death” has invented a 3D printable euthanasia machine that people can potentially have in their own homes.
Euthanasia advocate Philip Nitschke’s invention will use liquid nitrogen to drop the oxygen level in a printed capsule, leading to a “peaceful death”, his information release says.
In SA it is not an offence to commit suicide, although it is an offence to aid, abet or counsel the suicide of another.
Under Dr Nitschke’s plan, the death machine would be “open source”, so people could download it and print their own if they had the technological capability.
The announcement comes as Victoria’s lower house passed laws allowing voluntary euthanasia, after an all-night session. The legislation, if it is passed by the upper house, will allow terminally ill people with less than a year to live and who are suffering unbearable pain to request lethal medication.
If the upper house passes the legislation, it could be in place by mid-2019.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said: “My colleagues and I are very proud that we have taken a very big step towards giving many, many Victorians the dignity and compassion they have been denied for far too long.”
Dr Nitschke, who was born in Ardrossan but lives in The Netherlands, is head of Exit International.
According to its release, access to the machine — the Sarco capsule — will be by completing an online questionnaire, which produces a four-digit access code.
“On reclining in the capsule, activation uses liquid nitrogen to rapidly drop the oxygen level, and a peaceful death will result in just a few minutes,” the Exit release said.
“The capsule can then be detached from the Sarco machine and used as a coffin. The machine base can be re-used.”
Dr Nitschke said people wanted more choice about how to end their lives.
“Sarco does not use any restricted drugs or require any special expertise such as the insertion of an intravenous needle,” he said. “Anyone who can pass the entry test can enter the machine and legally end their life.”
In SA, a push to legalise voluntary euthanasia was defeated by one vote after a marathon debate.