In a profound and heart-wrenching decision, Peter and Christine Scott, a British couple married for 46 years, have chosen to end their lives together in Switzerland using a double suicide pod. The couple came to this decision after Christine, a retired nurse aged 80, was diagnosed with early-stage vascular dementia. Their story sheds light on the complexities and emotional struggles surrounding the right to assisted dying.
The Scotts, who are grandparents, have stated that they cannot bear the thought of facing a grim future where Christine’s mental faculties deteriorate and Peter, 86, also faces the physical declines of old age. Peter, an ex-RAF engineer, expressed the horror of watching Christine’s slow mental degradation alongside his own physical decline.
“We have had long, happy, healthy, fulfilled lives, but old age does not do nice things to you,” Peter said. He emphasized that although he would take care of Christine to the best of his ability, the idea of her losing control over her life is something they both find unbearable.
The Sarco pod, invented by Australian-born Philip Nitschke—nicknamed “Doctor Death” by his opponents—provides a method for assisted suicide by replacing the air inside the capsule with 100% nitrogen, rendering the occupant unconscious and ending their life within ten minutes. The Scotts plan to wait for the twin model of the Sarco to be launched later this year to die in each other’s arms.
The decision was not made lightly. The couple held an emotional family meeting where they discussed the potential suffering and crippling care costs they might face within the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). Their son and daughter, although reluctant, have expressed their respect for their parents’ choice.
In the UK, assisted dying remains illegal, but the Scotts hope that by sharing their story, they might lend weight to the campaign for its legalization. Their case highlights the pressing need for legislation that would allow terminally ill individuals the right to choose their manner of death.
In July, UK Parliament was presented with a private members’ bill introduced by Lord Falconer, the former Labour Justice Secretary. The bill seeks to allow terminally ill adults with less than six months to live the option to receive assistance in ending their lives. The proposed law is scheduled for its first debate in September.
Christine, reflecting on their decision, said she wants to maintain control over her life and avoid a fate of losing herself to dementia. She has planned her final days to include a walk in the Swiss Alps, a meal of fish with a bottle of Merlot, and a playlist of her favorite songs.
Determined to make assisted dying a possibility, the Scotts stand by their choice as a way to avoid years of potential suffering and financial ruin. “We understand other people may not share our feelings, and we respect their position. What we want is the right to choose,” Peter articulated, capturing the essence of their struggle for autonomy.
The Sarco, a 3D-printed capsule, is built to offer individuals ultimate control over their death, with a camera inside to record their final moments for verification. The cost for the nitrogen used in the pod amounts to only £16, making it a more economical option compared to other assisted dying clinics.
The Scotts’ story is a poignant reminder of the emotional and ethical dimensions of assisted dying, advocating for a choice that remains out of reach for many in the UK.