Ludwig Minelli, Founder of Dignitas, Dies at 92 After Voluntary Assisted Dying

Ludwig Minelli, founder of the assisted‑dying nonprofit Dignitas, died by voluntary assisted dying at a Dignitas clinic on Nov. 29 at age 92, days before his 93rd birthday. A former journalist turned lawyer, Minelli founded Dignitas in 1998 and championed individual autonomy in end‑of‑life decisions. Dignitas says it has been involved in over 4,000 assisted deaths as of 2024 and combines strict eligibility rules with palliative care, legal advocacy, and suicide‑prevention efforts.

07:04 PM, 11/30/2025Society

Ludwig Minelli, Founder of Dignitas, Dies at 92 After Voluntary Assisted Dying

Ludwig Minelli, the Swiss lawyer who founded Dignitas, the nonprofit known for offering physician-assisted dying, has died at age 92. Dignitas announced that Minelli died "self-determinedly by voluntary assisted dying" at one of the organization's clinics on Nov. 29, just days before what would have been his 93rd birthday on Dec. 5.

A life spent defending choice and autonomy

Minelli began his career in journalism in 1956, later turning to the study of law in 1977 and earning his degree in 1981. He served as founder and general secretary of the Swiss Society for the European Convention on Human Rights and in 1998 established Dignitas with the conviction that medically assisted dying should be an option for people with terminal illness as well as those suffering severe physical or mental conditions.

Under his leadership, Dignitas developed strict eligibility criteria for those seeking assistance and combined assisted dying services with palliative care, legal advocacy, and suicide-prevention efforts. The organization reports it has been involved in more than 4,000 assisted deaths as of 2024.

In a tribute, Dignitas said Minelli "stood unwaveringly for his convictions when it came to the protection of fundamental rights and the freedom of citizens." The organization added that "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."

Approach to people in crisis

Dignitas emphasized that Minelli advocated a compassionate, individualized approach to people in distress. The organization argued that simply trying to talk someone out of suicide is not an appropriate prevention strategy; rather, caregivers should listen seriously, present all available options to alleviate suffering, and — if the person chooses — offer professional, safe, and dignified support for ending life.

This view highlights the complex ethical and legal debates surrounding assisted dying: balancing autonomy and protection, ensuring rigorous safeguards, and providing robust palliative and mental-health support for those in need.

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