A Heartbreaking Decision
In a poignant and unprecedented move, a former RAF engineer and his wife have become the first couple in the United Kingdom to sign up for a double suicide pod to end their lives together. Peter and Christine Scott, married for 46 years, have made this heart-wrenching decision after Christine, 80, who was formerly a nurse, was diagnosed with early-stage vascular dementia just weeks ago.
The Scotts have decided to travel to Switzerland, where they will use the Sarco death capsule to end their lives peacefully in each other’s arms. The couple informed their family of their tragic decision after enduring struggles with the failing NHS and losing their life savings and home due to overwhelming care costs. Their son and daughter have reluctantly agreed to their decision.
A long journey of love and pain
The couple, who have six grandchildren, are now in the process of registering with The Last Resort, a Swiss-based organization offering assisted dying services via Sarco. This novel death capsule, unveiled in July, will replace the air inside with 100 percent nitrogen once the process is activated. This causes the occupant to become unconscious and ultimately die in less than 10 minutes.
The Man behind Sarco
Created by Australian-born Philip Nitschke, nicknamed “Doctor Death,” the Sarco capsule is poised to facilitate its first suicide soon. Dr. Nitschke explained that the couple’s capsule for two people operates similarly to the single Sarco, with one button to be pressed by either partner.
Why the Scotts chose assisted dying
The Scotts are awaiting the launch of the machine’s new twin model later this year. Speaking from their home in Mellis, Suffolk, they shared their hopes that their decision would add pressure to campaigns advocating for the allowance of assisted dying in the UK.
“We have had long, happy, healthy, fulfilled lives but here we are in old age and it does not do nice things to you,” Peter expressed. “The idea of watching the slow degradation of Chris’s mental abilities in parallel to my own physical decline is horrific to me. Obviously, I would care for her to the point I could not, but she has nursed enough people with dementia during her career to be adamant she wants to remain in control of herself and her life. Assisted dying gives her that opportunity and I would not want to go on living without her.”
Peter continued, “We understand other people may not share our feelings and we respect their position. What we want is the right to choose. I find it deeply depressing we can’t do that here in the UK. Yet look at the alternative. The chances of getting prompt NHS treatment for the ailments of old age seem pretty remote so you end up trapped by infirmity and pain. I don’t want to go into care, to be lying in bed dribbling and incontinent – I don’t call that a life. Finally, the Government swoops in to take your savings and your house to pay for it all.”
Legal hurdles and final preparations
Peter is diligently working through the necessary paperwork for their application but is concerned about Christine’s application due to the stringent criteria for permitting assisted suicide for dementia patients.
Dr. Nitschke told The Daily Mail that the couple’s suicide pod is ready for launch. “The capsule for two people works exactly the same as the single Sarco but there is only one button so they will decide between them who will push it. Then they’ll be able to hold each other and one of them will push the button,” he said. Inside the pod, a camera will record their final moments before death.
This tragic story brings to light the deeply personal and complex issues surrounding assisted dying, sparking a conversation about the right to choose one’s end-of-life options.