Ludwig Minelli, the pioneering founder of the Dignitas assisted dying organisation, has ended his own life at one of his clinics in Switzerland. He was 92 years old.
The news was confirmed on 30th November 2025. Mr Minelli's death came just days before what would have been his 93rd birthday.
The Legacy of Dignitas
Ludwig Minelli established the first Dignitas clinic in 1998 with a clear and controversial mission. His aim was to provide terminally and chronically ill individuals with the option to end their lives on their own terms.
For over 25 years, Dignitas has been at the centre of the global debate on the right to die. The organisation has assisted thousands of people from around the world, including many from the UK, who have travelled to Switzerland to use its services.
A Life Dedicated to Choice
Minelli, a lawyer by training, was a lifelong campaigner for personal autonomy at the end of life. He argued passionately that individuals suffering from unbearable illness should have the legal right to a dignified death.
His work often placed him in opposition to established medical and legal systems, but he remained a steadfast advocate for what he described as 'the last human right'.
The Ongoing Debate
The death of its founder marks a significant moment in the history of the assisted dying movement. It reignites discussions about the legal and ethical frameworks surrounding end-of-life choices, particularly in countries like the UK where the practice remains illegal.
Minelli's final act, choosing to utilise the service he created, serves as a powerful statement about his personal commitment to the cause he championed for nearly three decades.
