Ludwig Minelli, the founder of the Swiss right-to-die organization Dignitas, has died by assisted suicide at the age of 92, mere days shy of his 93rd birthday. Dignitas announced his passing, highlighting his lifelong dedication to the principles of freedom of choice, self-determination, and human rights.
Minelli founded Dignitas in 1998, leading the organization to assist thousands in making life-ending decisions. His advocacy for assisted dying has been influential, especially as countries like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand have begun to adopt more lenient laws on the subject. Simultaneously, debates continue in the UK regarding assisted dying legislation, reflecting a shift in public opinions.
The organization faced scrutiny in the past regarding its policies and practices, particularly when aiding non-terminal patients wanting to end their lives. Despite this, Minelli remained unwavering in his belief that all individuals deserve autonomy over their life's end. He once stated in a 2010 interview with the BBC that the last human right is the right to make a decision on one's own end, and the possibility to have this end without risk and without pain.
Minelli began his career as a journalist for Der Spiegel before transitioning to law and human rights activism. He separated Dignitas from its predecessor, Exit, due to perceived restrictive practices, thus allowing for a broader approach to assisted dying.
The influence of his work extends beyond Switzerland, notably with a 2011 ruling by the European Court of Human Rights affirming an individual's right to choose the timing and manner of their death, underscoring the significance of Minelli's contributions to the discourse surrounding assisted dying.
Although euthanasia remains illegal in Switzerland, assisted dying under specific conditions is permitted, prompting international individuals to seek Dignitas's services. In a statement following Minelli's death, Dignitas pledged to continue his mission as an organization dedicated to self-determination and the freedom of choice at life's end.
