Ludwig Minelli, the 92-year-old founder of the Swiss right-to-die organization Dignitas, has died by assisted suicide, the group announced.

Minelli established Dignitas in 1998. Since its inception, the organization has provided assistance to thousands of individuals seeking to end their lives. Dignitas released a statement paying tribute to Minelli, noting his life's dedication to "freedom of choice, self-determination, and human rights."

Assisted Dying Framework

Assisted dying, which involves a person self-administering lethal drugs provided by a medical practitioner, has been legal in Switzerland for decades. In contrast, euthanasia, defined as a physician directly administering a lethal drug to intentionally end a person's life to alleviate suffering, is prohibited in Switzerland.

Many individuals who receive assistance from Dignitas travel to Switzerland from countries where assisted dying is not legally permitted.

Minelli's Advocacy and Legal Influence

Throughout his career, Minelli advocated for the right to die, adopting the slogan "dignity in life, dignity in death" for Dignitas. In a 2010 interview with the BBC, he articulated his view: "I am persuaded that we have to struggle in order to implement the last human right in our societies. And the last human right is the right to make a decision on one's own end, and the possibility to have this end without risk and without pain."

Minelli commenced his professional life as a journalist, serving as a correspondent for the German news magazine Der Spiegel, before pursuing law and developing an interest in human rights. Following the establishment of Dignitas, he encountered numerous legal challenges, successfully appealing multiple cases to the Swiss supreme court.

Dignitas stated that Minelli's work had a lasting impact, citing a 2011 ruling by the European Court of Human Rights. This ruling confirmed the right of a person capable of judgment to decide the manner and timing of their own end of life.

International Context and Perspectives

Critics of assisted dying legislation express concerns that it could lead to the coercion of disabled and vulnerable individuals into ending their lives.

In recent decades, several countries have adjusted their legal positions on assisted dying. Australia, Canada, and New Zealand have introduced relevant laws, and the UK House of Lords is currently debating an assisted dying bill.

Dignitas affirmed its commitment to continuing to "manage and develop the association 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."