Ludwig Minelli: Dignitas Founder Dies Through Assisted Suicide Before 93rd Birthday

Ludwig Minelli, the founder of Swiss right-to-die organization Dignitas, passed away through assisted suicide on Saturday, just days before he would have celebrated his 93rd birthday, according to a statement released by the group on Sunday.

Minelli established Dignitas in 1998, creating what would become an internationally recognized organization dedicated to self-determination in end-of-life choices.

The organization announced it would "continue to manage and develop the association in the spirit of its founder as a professional and combative international organization for self-determination and freedom of choice in life and at the end of life."

Throughout his career as a lawyer, Minelli navigated numerous legal challenges, achieving significant victories through appeals to both the Swiss supreme court and the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

Dignitas highlighted Minelli's profound impact on Swiss law, particularly referencing a landmark 2011 ECHR ruling that formally recognized an individual's right to determine the manner and timing of their own death.

While Swiss law prohibits euthanasia—where someone else administers a lethal intervention—assisted suicide has been legal in Switzerland for decades. This approach allows individuals who clearly express their wish to die to perform the final act themselves.

Unlike other similar Swiss organizations, Dignitas, which reports a membership exceeding 10,000 people, extends its services to non-residents as well.

Helplines: Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health - 9999666555 or help@vandrevalafoundation.com; TISS iCall - 022-25521111 (Monday-Saturday: 8 am to 10 pm). If you need support or know someone who does, please contact your nearest mental health specialist.