March 2, 2025
The Last Resort – New Swedish TV Series on Assisted Suicide
Last month, a new 4-part series was screened on Swedish TV, titled ‘The Last Resort’ (‘Sista Hjalpen’ in Swedish).
The director/ journalist is well known Swedish presenter, Anna Lindman.
Unfortunately, at this stage, the series is only available in Swedish.
But below is the synopsis in English.
What is important about the series, as far as the Sarco is concerned, is that this is the second time where a legal expert has given a professional opinion about the use of Sarco in a country other than Switzerland.
In January 2020, Philip took part in a Finnish documentary titled ‘The Right to Die’ by Olof Films in Helsinki.
In the course of this series, Helsinki University professor, Dan Helenius, stated that in his opinion, there would be no legal impediment to using Sarco in Finland.
The same opinion has again been delivered, this time by high profile Swedish lawyer, Hanna Larsson Rampe.
Philip Nitschke is interviewed in Episode 2 of this new Swedish series where he discusses his philosophy (in English) about end of life, and the Sarco in particular.
Series Outline
Episode 1
Published: Tue 18 Feb 02:00Tues 18 Feb – 29 min
40-year-old Pernilla thinks she has five years left before her body fails her completely. She is fighting for the right to decide when to die. Tom’s mum is also planning for her son’s death. Since Tom can’t get help in Sweden, they have to ask for help in Switzerland, it’s an expensive and stressful journey, but in the midst of her grief she sees it as an act of love. Part 1 of 4.
Episode 2
Published: Tue 18 Feb 02:00Tues 18 Feb – 29 min
Philip Nitschke is known as Dr Death. He has built an euthanasia machine that he believes everyone should have access to. Many people consider his machine dangerous, but is it really illegal in Sweden? Anna Lindman gets to try out the machine and she meets seven Swedish doctors who, despite the fact that it is not allowed in Sweden, help people who want to end their lives due to illness. Part 2 of 4.
More about the programme
Episode 3
Published: Tue 18 Feb 02:00Tues 18 Feb – 28 min
Doctor Staffan lost his medical licence, which he had held for 52 years, after he helped a seriously ill man to die. But Staffan is constantly being approached by new people who want his help. And there seems to be a market for euthanasia. Anna Lindman is put in touch with a private online firm that offers to come to her home and end her life. Part 3 of 4.
More about pro
Episode 4
Published: Tue 18 Feb 02:00Tues 18 Feb – 29 min
Anna Lindman has come into contact with a private company online that offers to come to her home and end her life. There are people who take matters into their own hands when seriously ill people have nowhere else to turn. But how can they be trusted and what can the Swedish healthcare system really offer at the end of life? Part 4 of 4.
