Sarco ‘suicide capsules’ will be introduced in Britain if assisted dying law is passed, maker says

The doctor who created Sarco’s ‘suicide capsule’ has said he will bring his creation to Britain if it does assisted dying is made legal.

Dr. Philip Nitschke said he is ready to launch the capsule Work Member of Parliament Kim Leadbeater legislation is passed.

The Private member’s bill is ready for its second reading in the House of Commons on Friday in the first debate and vote of its kind in the House of Representatives since 2015.

MPs are given a free vote on the issue, allowing them to decide based on their conscience rather than in accordance with party policy.

The bill, which covers England and Wales, says only terminally ill adults with less than six months to live and a firm desire to die would be eligible.

The device, which fills with nitrogen gas, may be preferred by those who choose assisted death but do not want to die by lethal injections or drug combinations, Dr. Nitschke said.

“We have a lot of members there, and a lot of British people are following the Sarco project closely. There would be plenty of room. I would really like to do that,” he said The Telegraph.

“It seems to me that it will just provide an additional option for those who don’t want the needle and who don’t want the drink… who like what I describe as the stylish and elegant resources this device offers in an idyllic location.”

It comes after Cabinet Secretary Simon Case said the government would remain neutral and suggested ministers not participate in public debate on the issue. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has refused to say which way he will vote, adding that he does not want to put pressure on other MPs.

The cabinet is divided on the issue and it is believed that more members are in favor than against.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, Transport Secretary Louise Haigh and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband have all said they will support the bill.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Shabana Mahmood, Health Minister Wes Streeting, Education Minister Bridget Phillipson and Business Minister Jonathan Reynolds have said they will reject the legislation.

Dr. Nitschke, 77, suggested the Lake District could be the ideal picturesque location to use the Sarco machine. He added: “If you want to look over the lakes or the mountains or look at anything, there is no reason why they shouldn’t be accommodated. Certainly Sarco can do that.”

On Monday, the Prime Minister’s spokesman said: “We have made it clear that the government will remain neutral, but Cabinet members will clearly vote as MPs with independent views.

“And it will be completely normal that there will be different views in that respect and there is obviously an expectation that they will want to explain to their voters how they are going to vote on this very emotional issue.”

Supporters of the bill are optimistic that there is enough support for the legislation to pass the first House of Commons hurdle, but the outcome will not be known until a distribution list is published after the vote, showing how MPs voted .

Advocates say existing law does not respect patient autonomy and financially differentiates between those who can afford to travel abroad to end their lives within the law and those who cannot.

Many of those opposed to a change in the law have raised concerns about the potential for coercion and mission creep, saying the legislation was rushed through.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans in confidence on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email [email protected], or Samaritans website for more information about your nearest branch.

If you live in the US and you or someone you know needs mental health care right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

This is a free, confidential crisis line that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go there www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.