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

Ludwig Minelli, the Swiss lawyer who founded the controversial assisted-dying organization Dignitas, has died at age 92. His death was confirmed by the group on Monday. Minelli established Dignitas in 1998. It provides assisted suicide, primarily to foreign nationals, at its facilities near Zurich. Under his leadership, Dignitas has assisted more than 3,000 people in ending their lives. Minelli consistently argued that choosing to die was a fundamental human right and an exercise of free will. His work made Switzerland a destination for individuals seeking assisted death. It also sparked ongoing international debate on medical ethics and the right-to-die movement. Minelli led the organization until 2022. Dignitas continues its operations following the principles he established.