Switzerland Prepares for Controversial Trial of New Assisted Suicide Collar

A new assisted suicide device, the Kairos collar, is set for its first human trial in Switzerland. The test follows the recent use of another invention, the Sarco pod, which was deployed for the first time in late September. Both devices were developed by Philip Nitschke, founder of Exit International.

The Kairos collar aims to provide a low-cost alternative, priced at just a few hundred Swiss francs. Its upcoming trial marks a significant step in the ongoing debate over assisted suicide methods.

The Kairos collar is designed to end life by applying pressure to the carotid artery, first rendering the user unconscious before causing death. Its creator, Philip Nitschke, intends to bypass what he calls 'medical paternalism' by offering the device at cost price. A Dutch volunteer has already come forward to find the collar in Switzerland.

This trial comes shortly after the Sarco pod was used for the first time in the country. On that occasion, a 64-year-old American woman became the first person to end her life using the pod, which reduces oxygen levels with nitrogen, leading to unconsciousness and death within ten minutes. The device was administered by The Last Resort, a Swiss branch of Exit International.

Legal and ethical hurdles remain for the Kairos collar. Swiss regulations require medical device approval, proper informed consent, and compliance with cantonal assisted suicide laws. Ethical concerns also include safeguards against coercion, mandatory psychiatric evaluations, and alignment with standards set by organizations like Exit and Dignitas. Meanwhile, Nitschke has appointed a 50-year-old Swiss national, Marc Dusseiller, as a new board member of The Last Resort. Further details about the collar are expected at a press conference later this month.

The Kairos collar's first human test will determine its viability as an assisted suicide method. If approved, it could offer a more affordable option compared to existing devices. However, legal and ethical challenges must be addressed before wider use becomes possible. The outcome of this trial may influence future regulations on assisted suicide technology in Switzerland.