Suicide bag

Suicide bag (also known as an exit bag or helium hood) is a device consisting of a large plastic bag with a drawstring used to commit suicide through inert gas asphyxiation. It is usually used in conjunction with a tank of an inert gas like helium or nitrogen, which prevents the normal breathing process from extracting oxygen from the air. The method has been described in detail in literature and online resources, leading to ethical and legal debates regarding its discussion and dissemination.

Overview

The suicide bag is filled with an inert gas, which is not detectable by the body's carbon dioxide monitoring system, thus the person does not experience the panic and distress of suffocation even as the oxygen level falls fatally low. The use of a suicide bag was popularized in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as part of the right-to-die movement. It is often portrayed as a peaceful way to die, though this characterization is controversial.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The legality of using, assisting, or distributing suicide bags varies by jurisdiction. In many places, assisting suicide or providing the means for suicide is illegal, which can include providing information on suicide bags. Ethical debates also surround the issue, with arguments focusing on the right to die, the potential for abuse, and the societal impact of normalizing suicide as a solution to suffering.

Safety Concerns

While proponents claim that death by an inert gas is painless and quick, there are significant safety concerns. There is a risk of failure leading to brain damage or other injuries. Additionally, the method does not address the underlying issues leading to the individual's desire to die, such as mental health disorders or temporary crises.

Alternatives and Prevention

Efforts to prevent suicide generally focus on addressing the underlying causes, such as providing mental health support, crisis intervention, and social support. Alternatives to suicide, such as palliative care and hospice for the terminally ill, aim to alleviate suffering without hastening death.

See Also

• Euthanasia
• Assisted suicide
• Right to die
• Mental health