July 28, 2024
First Use of Sarco Aborted
In July 2024, The Last Resort withdrew access to the Sarco for ‘Person X’.
Person X had previously been expected to be the first person to use the device.
The anticipated Sarco death of Person X (a mid 50s woman from the US) on 17 July has been permanently postponed.
This withdrawal followed increasing concerns over her deteriorating mental health, especially given latest instance of viral media about Sarco in Switzerland.
On 4 July, Swiss newspaper NZZ spear-headed the media storm with a significant article alleging the ‘imminent’ use of the Sarco. This was followed up by further reporting on 11 July.
Other media followed suit.
Dr Willet said that on legal advice, no interviews were granted and that this was why a press conference was ultimately called for 17 July.
Sarco Project director Dr Philip Nitschke, said he was confident that The Last Resort’s withdrawal of the Sarco was the appropriate ethical response in a difficult and fast-changing situation.
Speaking from Amsterdam, Sarco Project Director, Dr Philip Nitschke said that he had been concerned by multiple episodes of witnessed significant cognitive lapses bordering on pre-psychosis in recent weeks, as the media scrutiny intensified.
“Given her situation, it is clear that this is a person who should now be receiving mental health care, rather than any suicide assistance” he said.
The Last Resort and Exit International remain concerned for the woman’s overall well-being.
Dr Nitschke is now involved in the pre-screening of the next person who is hoping to use the device.
“Given the media scrutiny surrounding Person X, all future clients will need to be warned of the possibility that, despite our best efforts to keep their death private, any first use of Sarco will be the subject of intense media interest and reporting”, he said.
Contact
Dr Florian Willet, media@thelastresort.ch, The Last Resort
Dr Philip Nitschke, contact@exitinternational.net, Exit International
