The following article contains discussion of suicide that some readers may find upsetting.

A machine that helps people to die by suicide has sparked a big backlash.

The Sarco, dubbed the "suicide machine", has been developed by Dr Philip Nitschke, who advocates for individuals' right to die.

The machine is designed like a capsule and fills with nitrogen which causes hypoxic death to the occupant. The capsule can then turn into a detachable coffin for the deceased user.

"Death shouldn't be something you do hidden away in a back room somewhere," Nitschke told The Independent.

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Experience your own virtual VR #euthanasia death in the 3D printed Sarco at the Amsterdam Funeral Expo this Sat 14th and meet the designershttps://t.co/Eb7CZpGf5S pic.twitter.com/gdHX9pVM7e — Philip Nitschke (@philipnitschke) April 10, 2018

There are also plans in place for the machine to be operated by blinking commands for those whose movements are very impaired.

The Sarco went on display at the Amsterdam funeral fair over the weekend, and is aimed to be 3D-printable with virtual reality available for those using it.

However, there have been concerns that the machine is glamourising suicide, with anti-euthanasia groups slamming the idea.

"This runs the additional danger of glamorising suicide and promoting suicide contagion and breaches both national and international guidelines on suicide prevention," Dr Peter Saunders, campaign director at Care Not Killing Alliance told MailOnline.

David Mariuz/Getty Images

Nitschke also noted the historical connotations of using gas, saying: "Gas may never be an acceptable method for assisted suicide in Europe due to the negative connotations of the Holocaust. Some have even said that it's just a glorified gas chamber."

However, he tried to emphasise the "dignified" aspect of using the Sarco, writing in HuffPost: "A Sarco death is painless.

"There's no suffocation, choking sensation or 'air hunger' as the user breathes easily in a low-oxygen environment. The sensation is one of well-being and intoxication."

The device is planned to be built later this year.

Suicide is preventable. Readers who are affected by the issues raised in this story are encouraged to contact Samaritans on 116 123 (www.samaritans.org), or Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255 or visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

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