Dr. Philip Nitschke, the mind behind the controversial Sarco ‘suicide pod,’ has introduced a new device in the form of a collar, which some critics have described as ‘grotesque’ and ‘shameful.’
Dr. Nitschke, an advocate for euthanasia and founder of Exit International, is known for creating the Sarco pod, a 3D-printed device designed to assist individuals who wish to end their own lives.
Often referred to as the ‘suicide pod,’ this machine works by introducing nitrogen, which induces the hypercapnia alarm response, leading to unconsciousness and ultimately death.
In September 2024, the first instance of capsule suicide occurred in a forest in Switzerland’s Schaffhausen canton, where a 64-year-old American woman utilized the pod to end her life.
The authorities in Schaffhausen had previously warned that anyone involved in using the capsule would face legal action, and health minister Elisabeth Baume-Schneider stated that the machine’s use was not permitted in the country.
Despite the potential legal consequences, Nitschke, at the age of 78, has introduced a new ‘suicide device’—a collar.
This suicide collar represents a new approach for a ‘self-chosen end of life,’ which the director of Exit International described as ‘a significant advancement in the assisted dying movement.’
He stated via the platform X, “Fast, reliable, drug-free..and, importantly, unrestrictable!”
The device, named the Kairos Kollar, is intended to ‘offer a straightforward, dependable, peaceful approach for a DIY death at a time of one’s choosing.’
Upon learning of the suicide device, a social media user remarked: “Demonic.”
Another individual commented: “The entire Universe weeps over this anti-human direction. This is shameful. Unethical. Beyond tragic.”
Someone else noted, “What is most grotesque is that his event showcasing this was sold out – older people afraid of Australia’s institutional-based age care system, and the associated loss of dignity, safety, and control.”
“Monstrous, and this drives me every day to press for a better world for our elderly,” they added.
In response, another user on X questioned, “How is this even moral? Choke yourself to death? What a horrific person.”
During a ‘workshop’ in the Netherlands, the Australian originator explained to the attendees that the device functions ‘similar to an airbag in a car; when you press a button, bang, faint and die.’
He elaborated, as reported by the Herald Sun, “It works in a clever way by putting pressure on two important points on your neck, stopping the blood flow to two significant arteries.”
The Exit Kairos Kollar, an important development in the assisted dying quest…fast, reliable, drug free..and, importantly, unrestrictable! Right-to-die organization planning workshop on how to create a "suicide collar" https://t.co/DZKYTFbqgu pic.twitter.com/cPYwUPwNGv
— Philip Nitschke (@philipnitschke) November 19, 2025
“The collar is placed around your neck, and when you press the button, it suddenly exerts pressure on the carotid and vertebral arteries, halting the flow of blood to your brain.”
According to the NL Times, this euthanasia device remains ‘in the testing phase,’ with Frans Copini, interim director of Coöperatie Laatste Wil (CLW), anticipating its approval and readiness by 2026.
Assisted suicide is legal in 12 US jurisdictions, including California, Colorado, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Montana, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.
The legal repercussions for participating in physician-assisted death differ across the remaining states.
If you or someone you know requires mental health support, contact the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis service available to everyone 24/7.