But there is more to the removal of the medical profession from the dying process than their role as sources of drugs. Be- cause the Sarco represents a stand-alone method of a peaceful death, it has the potential to truly place the dying process in the hands of the individual. No longer would a patient need to ask (beg) a doctor for their support for a desired peaceful death. With the Sarco the medical profession’s role as gate-keepers in deciding who is sick enough, or who qualifies, to get their help is largely circumvented.
What’s in a Name
The word ‘Sarco’ is short for sarcophagus. A sarcophagus is an above-ground crypt where a body is laid to rest. Often made of limestone (to speed the decomposition of the body), in some cultures the sarcophagus enabled ancestor visitation and wor- ship. In almost all cases sarcophagi were aesthetically-pleas- ing monuments to lives since ended.
