September 22, 2026
Two Year Anniversary of First Use of Sarco
On 23 September 2024, the 3D-printed Sarco was used for the first time in a beautiful Swiss forest. The device was used by a seriously ill American woman. She died quickly and peacefully.
She paid no fee to use the Sarco.
At the current time, the Schaffhausen prosecutor continues his investigation, trying to ascertain if this assisted suicide was legal.
From Exit’s point of view and based on the organisation’s extensive legal advice, there should be no legal question to answer.
The motives of those who assisted were altruistic. The woman had mental capacity (according to her psychiatric report the week before) and she operated the capsule herself.
Her decision to die was long-held and considered and was taken the context of unbearable suffering and with a medical condition for which there was no cure.
A more clear cut case of ‘doing the right thing’ does not exist.
That said, 2 years on and we are no closer to having Sarco again available for use in Switzerland.
Just delayed is justice denied.
On this day, Exit especially remembers Dr Florian Willet. Florian was the only person present when the Sarco was used.
Upon release after 70 days pre-trial detention in Schaffhausen prison, Florian was diagnosed psychotic.
He died tragically by assisted suicide in Germany in May 2025.