The founder of the Swiss right-to-die organisation Dignitas has died by assisted suicide, the group announced. Ludwig Minelli, 92, passed away on Saturday, just days before his 93rd birthday.
Dignitas paid tribute to Minelli, highlighting his life's work centered on freedom of choice, self-determination, and human rights.
Since founding Dignitas in 1998, Minelli's organization has assisted thousands seeking to end their lives on their terms. While countries like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand have recently embraced laws permitting assisted dying, discussions in the UK House of Lords are currently underway regarding an assisted dying bill.
Despite facing criticism suggesting potential coercion of vulnerable individuals, advocates point to Minelli’s relentless campaigning for personal autonomy in matters of life and death. Many choosing Dignitas do so after traveling from nations where assisted dying remains illegal.
Minelli's slogan for Dignitas—dignity in life, dignity in death—reflected his beliefs. In a 2010 BBC interview, he expressed the importance of the right to a self-determined end, advocating against suffering in one’s final moments.
A former journalist, he began his career with Der Spiegel before turning his focus to legal matters and human rights. Throughout the years, he faced numerous legal hurdles but successfully appealed to the Swiss Supreme Court multiple times to cement his organization's principles.
His influence resonated globally, exemplified by a 2011 European Court of Human Rights ruling that upheld the right of mentally-capable individuals to decide their own end of life.
While euthanasia remains illegal in Switzerland, assisted dying—where individuals self-administer lethal drugs provided by medical professionals—has been a legal option for decades.
In response to Minelli's passing, Dignitas stated its commitment to continue operating as a professional and vigorous advocate for self-determination at the end of life, in line with its founder's vision.
