Dignitas Founder Ludwig Minelli Dies by Assisted Suicide at 92

Ludwig Minelli, the founder of the Swiss assisted suicide organization Dignitas, has died at age 92 through voluntary assisted dying at one of the group's clinics, just days before his 93rd birthday.

The nonprofit announced Minelli's death on November 29, describing him as a pioneer in the right-to-die movement. A former journalist who later became a human rights lawyer, Minelli established Dignitas in 1998 to assist terminally and chronically ill individuals in ending their lives on their own terms. The organization's slogan, "Live with dignity, die with dignity," reflected his lifelong commitment to self-determination and freedom of choice at the end of life.

Dignitas stated that Minelli "stood unwaveringly for his convictions when it came to the protection of fundamental rights and the freedom of citizens." The group noted in a tribute that "right up to the end of his life, he continued to search for further ways to help people to exercise their right to freedom of choice and self-determination in their final matters and he often found them." No further details about his health or the circumstances of his decision were provided.

Minelli's work faced significant legal hurdles...