The founder of the renowned Swiss assisted suicide organisation Dignitas, Ludwig Minelli, has ended his own life through assisted suicide just days before what would have been his 93rd birthday.
A Life Dedicated to Self-Determination
Ludwig Minelli, the Swiss lawyer who established Dignitas in 1998, passed away as the organisation announced. In a formal statement, Dignitas praised Minelli for leading a "life for freedom of choice, self-determination, and human rights". His death occurred shortly before his birthday on 5 December.
Under Minelli's leadership, Dignitas grew into one of the world's most prominent right-to-die organisations, assisting thousands of individuals from countries where assisted dying remains illegal. The organisation emphasised that Minelli understood a crucial principle: people enduring suffering wish to continue living if they can achieve a personal quality of life they find acceptable.
Legacy and Global Impact
Dignitas revealed that only a small proportion of seriously ill people who contact them ultimately apply for voluntary assisted dying, with an even smaller number proceeding. The organisation stated this practice validates Minelli's belief, as the mere knowledge of having this option provides profound relief and the courage to continue living.
Minelli's career path was diverse. He began as a journalist in 1956 before transitioning to law. He graduated from law school in 1981 and was admitted to the bar in 1986 at age 54. He later founded Dignitas, creating its enduring slogan: "To live with dignity – To die with dignity".
His work was not without legal challenges. However, a significant victory came in 2011 when the European Court of Human Rights, in a case championed by Minelli, confirmed an individual's right to decide on the manner and time of their own death.
The UK Context and Future of Dignitas
The news of Minelli's death arrives as the UK's House of Lords debates its own assisted dying bill, marking a potential shift in British law. This movement has sparked concerns among critics who fear vulnerable, disabled, and elderly individuals could face coercion.
It is important to distinguish the practice at Dignitas. In Switzerland, assisted dying—where a person self-administers lethal drugs prescribed by a physician—has been legal since 1941. This differs from euthanasia, where a doctor administers the drug, which remains illegal in the country.
Dignitas confirmed that Minelli had ensured a smooth transition for the organisation, having expanded its board several years prior to his death. The group pledged to continue its development "in the spirit of its founder as a professional and combative international organisation for self-determination and freedom of choice in life and at the end of life".
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
