Who was Ludwig Minelli and what was Dignitas?

Ludwig Minelli was the founder of Dignitas, a Swiss organization that supports assisted dying for individuals wishing to end their lives.

Is euthanasia legal in Switzerland?

No, Swiss law does not permit euthanasia. However, assisted dying, where an individual takes the lethal action themselves, is legal.

Did Ludwig Minelli die by assisted suicide?

Yes, the right-to-die organization Dignitas confirmed that its founder, Ludwig Minelli, died through assisted suicide.

Home / Health / Right-to-Die Pioneer Dies by Assisted Suicide at 92

Right-to-Die Pioneer Dies by Assisted Suicide at 92

1 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Dignitas founder Ludwig Minelli died via assisted suicide.
Minelli, 92, was a lawyer who fought legal challenges for his group.
His work influenced Swiss law on end-of-life choices.

Ludwig Minelli, founder of the prominent Swiss right-to-die organization Dignitas, has died at the age of 92. He passed away on Saturday, reportedly by assisted suicide, just days before his 93rd birthday. Minelli, a lawyer by profession, dedicated his life to advocating for self-determination in life and at the end of life.

Throughout his tenure, Minelli faced considerable legal opposition but achieved significant victories, including influencing Swiss supreme court and European Court of Human Rights decisions. A notable ECHR ruling in 2011, influenced by his efforts, affirmed an individual's right to choose the timing and manner of their death.

Dignitas, which boasts over 10,000 members and offers services internationally, has pledged to continue its mission in line with Minelli's foundational principles. While euthanasia remains illegal in Switzerland, assisted dying, where individuals self-administer a lethal dose, has been legally established for decades.

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