Ludwig Minelli, the extraordinary founder of the Swiss right-to-die organization Dignitas, took the step to end his own life with assisted death on Saturday. He announced this decision only days before his 93rd birthday. Minelli, who transitioned from journalist to lawyer, established Dignitas in 1998, advocating for the rights of individuals to choose the timing and manner of their own death.
In that time under Minelli’s leadership, Dignitas has assisted over 4,000 people to die. Over half of these members are from the United Kingdom. As of 2024, the charity has around 1,900 UK members, including famous supporters like television presenter Esther Rantzen. In all, Dignitas has over 10,000 members worldwide, offering aid even to those who live outside of Switzerland.
Minelli’s devotion to the antipoverty cause, particularly as an aspect of assisted dying, was relentless, even as he neared his ninth decade. At 90 years old, he famously stated he was “working all day and half the night,” demonstrating his dedication to improving access to assisted death for those in need.
During his advocacy career, Minelli dealt with legal challenges like these but eventually overcame in the past. His advocacy profoundly shaped the practices of Dignitas, but his creative approach to legal argumentation made an enduring mark on Swiss law. In 2011, all of that hard work by the organization was rewarded with a ground-breaking ruling from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). It honored people’s autonomy to make decisions for themselves about how and when they wish to die.
Dignitas offers a complete package of services to assist individuals throughout Switzerland and internationally. Minelli wants access to assisted dying extended to as many people as possible. His philosophy centered around allowing individuals the freedom of choice and control to make their own self-determined choices regarding death and dying.
“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.” – Dignitas