Pioneering Advocate for Assisted Dying, Ludwig Minelli, Passes Away at 92

Wed Dec 03 2025 05:42:28 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Ludwig Minelli, the founder of Dignitas, a Swiss right-to-die organization, has died by assisted suicide, leaving a legacy of advocacy for self-determination and human rights.

Ludwig Minelli, aged 92, the founder of the Swiss assisted dying organization Dignitas, has died by assisted suicide just before his 93rd birthday. Known for his lifelong fight for the right to die with dignity, Minelli established Dignitas in 1998 and influenced many legal discussions around assisted dying in various jurisdictions. While lauded for his commitment to individual choice, he also faced criticism regarding the organization's operations. His contributions to the discussion surrounding assisted dying continue to resonate worldwide.

Legacy of Advocacy

The founder of the Swiss right-to-die organisation Dignitas, Ludwig Minelli, has died by assisted suicide, as confirmed by the group. He passed away on the eve of his 93rd birthday.

Dignitas paid tribute to Minelli, recognizing his lifelong commitment to freedom of choice, self-determination, and human rights. Founded in 1998, his organization has assisted countless individuals in the pursuit of a dignified end to life.

In recent years, attitudes toward assisted dying have shifted in several countries, with new legislation emerging in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. The ongoing debate in the UK House of Lords regarding an assisted dying bill further highlights the evolving landscape.

Critics argue that legalized euthanasia could potentially lead to vulnerable individuals being coerced into ending their lives. Minelli, a former journalist who turned lawyer, was particularly passionate about the right to choose one’s end, advocating for the slogan dignity in life, dignity in death.

Controversial Origins

Having split from another Swiss organization, Exit, due to disagreements over their stringent rules, Minelli built Dignitas into a globally recognized entity, facilitating assisted suicide for non-Swiss citizens seeking options absent in their home countries.

His organization came under scrutiny over its financial transparency and policies of offering assistance to individuals who weren't necessarily terminally ill, leading to legal challenges. Nonetheless, he successfully appealed multiple cases to the Swiss supreme court, influencing significant rulings about individual rights to self-determination.

While euthanasia remains illegal in Switzerland, assisted dying under specific conditions has been permissible since 1942. In echoing Minelli’s vision, Dignitas affirmed its commitment to upholding his legacy as a professional advocate for self-determination and freedom of choice.