Ludwig Minelli, Founder of Swiss Assisted-Suicide Group, Dies at 92

Ludwig Minelli, the Swiss lawyer who founded Dignitas, an organization that assists people with suicide, died at his home in Forch, Switzerland, on December 2, 2025, at the age of 92; he took his own life with assistance. Minelli founded Dignitas in 1998, advocating for the right to die and assisting over 3,000 people in ending their lives. He believed assisted suicide was a fundamental exercise of free will, a view that drew both support and controversy. He faced legal challenges, including accusations of exploiting clients, but was acquitted. Inspired by his grandmother's suffering, Minelli became a human rights lawyer and advocate for assisted dying, contributing to Switzerland's pioneering role in the movement due to a 1942 law.

Ludwig Minelli, the 92-year-old founder of Dignitas, a Swiss right-to-die organization, died by assisted suicide on Saturday, days before his 93rd birthday. Minelli founded Dignitas in 1998 after leaving Exit, advocating for individual choice and human rights regarding end-of-life decisions. Dignitas has assisted thousands of people, including non-Swiss citizens, seeking assisted dying, which is legal in Switzerland under specific conditions since 1942. Minelli faced criticism for his organization's practices, including financial transparency and assisting non-terminally ill individuals. Dignitas highlighted Minelli's lasting impact, referencing a European Court of Human Rights ruling affirming an individual's right to decide on the manner and timing of their death.

Ludwig Minelli, the founder of the Swiss right-to-die organization Dignitas, ended his own life through assisted suicide on Saturday, days before his 93rd birthday. Minelli founded Dignitas in 1998 and dedicated his life to advocating for freedom of choice and self-determination at the end of life. Dignitas stated it will continue his work. Minelli's efforts influenced Swiss law, including a 2011 ruling by the European Court of Human Rights recognizing an individual's right to choose the manner and timing of their death. His death comes amid increasing global acceptance of assisted dying, with several countries recently enacting related laws. The UK is currently debating an assisted dying bill.

Ludwig Minelli, the founder of the Swiss right-to-die organization Dignitas, ended his own life through assisted suicide on Saturday, days before his 93rd birthday. Minelli founded Dignitas in 1998 and dedicated his life to advocating for freedom of choice and self-determination at the end of life. Dignitas stated it will continue his work. Minelli's efforts influenced Swiss law, including a 2011 ruling by the European Court of Human Rights recognizing an individual's right to choose the manner and timing of their death. His death comes amid increasing global acceptance of assisted dying, with several countries recently enacting related laws. The UK is currently debating an assisted dying bill.