Ludwig Minelli, the 92-year-old founder of the Swiss assisted dying organization Dignitas, has ended his life at one of his own clinics. He died on November 29, just days before his 93rd birthday, choosing the method of voluntary assisted dying that his organization has provided to more than 4,000 people since 1998.
Dignitas announced Minelli's death in a four-page tribute. The organization described him as a human rights lawyer who «stood unwaveringly for his convictions when it came to the protection of fundamental rights and the freedom of citizens.»
The tribute added: «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.»
Lawyer who founded right-to-die movement
Minelli became a qualified lawyer in his 50s after working as a journalist. He founded Dignitas in 1998 under the slogan "Live with dignity, die with dignity" to help terminally and chronically ill individuals end their lives.
In a 2023 Financial Times interview at age 90, Minelli described suicide as a «marvellous possibility» and said he was «working all day and half the night.» He campaigned for decades to make assisted dying and euthanasia broadly accessible.
Organization to continue operations
Minelli had prepared for succession by expanding Dignitas's board several years ago. The organization confirmed it will continue to operate as «a professional and combative international organisation for self-determination and freedom of choice in life and at the end of life.»
His death comes as the UK parliament debates assisted dying legislation. Peers have warned the proposals could create a "licence to kill," while former prime minister Theresa May expressed concerns about the impact on disabled individuals and those with mental health problems. Britain's equalities watchdog has called for a more detailed assessment of the legislation's potential impact on vulnerable people.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
