Elderly British Couple to End Life in ‘Anle Capsule’ in Each Other’s Arms

Peter Scott and Christine Scott, an elderly couple from Suffolk, England, have been together for 46 years. They have made a decision that has garnered significant attention worldwide: they will travel to Switzerland later this year to end their lives in each other’s arms in a “comfort capsule” called Sarco.

The Sarco capsule, invented by a Switzerland-based organization called Last Redemption, works by replacing normal air with 100% nitrogen, rendering the occupants unconscious and then respiratory, all in less than ten minutes.

The Scotts will be the first couple to be euthanized using this machine, which is not yet in use. However, they will have to wait a few more months until a new double-pod machine is manufactured.

After signing the agreement with the Swiss organization, Peter, 86, and Christine, 80, gave an interview in which they revealed the reasons behind their decision. Christine was recently diagnosed with early-stage vascular dementia, prompting the couple to make this choice.

Peter, a former RAF engineer, and Christine, a retired nurse, had been living a quiet life together until Christine’s diagnosis. Peter expressed his horror at the thought of watching Christine’s mind decline along with her physical condition.

“We’ve lived long, happy, healthy, fulfilling lives, but now we’re old and it doesn’t do us any good,” Peter said. “Obviously, I’ll do everything I can to look after her, but she’s cared for enough people with dementia in her career to be determined to remain in control of herself and her life. Euthanasia gives her that opportunity, and I don’t want to go on without her.”

Christine’s diagnosis and the couple’s decision to end their lives in the Sarco capsule have sparked a conversation about euthanasia and the right to die. The Scotts’ son and daughter have reluctantly stated that they will respect their parents’ choice.

The Sarco capsule was invented by Australian-born doctor Philip Nitschke, who aimed to help British stroke patient Tony Nicklinson end his life. Although Nicklinson did not use the capsule, his story highlights the need for euthanasia options.

Dr. Nitschke stated that the “double capsule” used by the Scotts operates on the same principle as the single capsule. However, the couple will need to discuss who will press the button to activate the capsule.

The use of the Sarco capsule is free, with the family only needing to pay for the cost of moving the body afterwards. The cost of the liquid nitrogen used in the capsule is approximately £16, making it a more economical option compared to other forms of euthanasia.