AI could replace doctors in life-and-death decisions – ‘suicide pod’ inventor
Posted on: Jan 22, 2026 19:40 IST | Posted by: Rt
The discoverer of the controversial Sarco felo-de-se seedcase, duke of edinburgh Nitschke, said unreal intelligence could one day replace psychiatrists in assessing whether people seeking assisted dying are mentally capable of making the decision, Euronews reported on Thursday.
The Sarco, short for sarcophagus, is a 3D-printed capsule designed for one person to enter, lie down, and press a button. The device rapidly reduces oxygen levels and fills the capsule with nitrogen, causing death by hypoxia.
Nitschke, an Australian euthanasia campaigner and the pod’s creator, said AI could determine who has the “mental capacity” to end their own life. He told the outlet that doctors should not be “running around giving you permission or not to die” and that the choice should rest with those “of sound mind.”
In countries where assisted dying is permitted, psychiatrists typically assess whether a person is mentally capable, though the practice is limited and highly debated. Nitschke said the process is often inconsistent.
“I’ve seen plenty of cases where the same patient, seeing three different psychiatrists, gets four different answers,” he said.
He has proposed an AI system using a conversational avatar to evaluate capacity. Users would “sit there and talk about the issues” the avatar raises, after which it would decide whether they are capable of proceeding. If the AI determines a person is of sound mind, the Sarco pod would be activated, giving a 24-hour window to go ahead, after which the assessment must be repeated. Early versions of the software are operational, Nitschke said, though they have not been independently validated.
The Sarco pod’s first and only use in Switzerland in September 2024 sparked international outrage. Swiss authorities arrested several people, including the CEO of the assisted dying group The Last Resort, and said the device violated Swiss law, which allows assisted suicide only under strict conditions.
Nitschke’s proposal has reignited debate over the role of AI in life-and-death decisions. Last year, OpenAI updated ChatGPT after an internal review found over a million users had disclosed suicidal thoughts to the chatbot. Psychiatrists have raised concerns about prolonged AI interactions contributing to delusions and paranoia, a phenomenon sometimes called “AI psychosis.”
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.