Ludwig Minelli, the pioneering founder of Swiss right-to-die organisation Dignitas, has ended his life through assisted dying just days before what would have been his 93rd birthday.
The organisation confirmed that Minelli, who established Dignitas in 1998, passed away on Saturday following his decision to pursue an assisted death.
In a statement, Dignitas pledged to continue his work, saying they would "continue 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."
Legal Battles and Lasting Legacy
Minelli, a trained lawyer by profession, faced numerous legal challenges throughout his career advocating for the right to die.
He successfully argued several landmark cases before both the Swiss supreme court and the European Court of Human Rights, significantly shaping end-of-life legislation.
His legal work proved particularly influential in 2011 when the European Court of Human Rights delivered a groundbreaking ruling that recognised an individual's right to decide the manner and timing of their own death.
Understanding Swiss Assisted Dying Laws
Swiss law maintains a clear distinction between euthanasia and assisted dying that's crucial to understanding Dignitas's operations.
While euthanasia - where a doctor or another person administers a lethal substance - remains illegal in Switzerland, assisted dying has been legal for decades.
This approach allows individuals who clearly express their wish to die to commit the final act themselves after receiving appropriate assistance.
Unlike some similar Swiss organisations, Dignitas extends its services to international clients, with the group reporting more than 10,000 members worldwide.
Support Services Available
For those in the UK and Ireland experiencing distress, Samaritans offer support on freephone 116 123, or via email at jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie.
In the United States, individuals can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or access help through 988lifeline.org.
Australians can contact the crisis support service Lifeline on 13 11 14, while other international helplines are available through befrienders.org.
