Dignitas newsletter No1, 2026
| Editorial |
| Dear Readers Assisted dying is still prohibited by law in many countries. Free and responsible citizens continue to be patronised and prevented against their will from ending their suffering and life in a manner they personally consider dignified. Relatives and friends who respect the wish of a seriously ill person to die and who give him or her their support are still being treated as criminals. Freedom of choice, self-determination and self-responsibility in life and at life’s end: this is what “DIGNITAS – To live with dignity – To die with dignity” continues to work for internationally; in its political and legal work, in its daily advising of individuals seeking help, and in preparing and providing assisted suicide for suffering individuals who have made a clear and well-considered choice and who are still denied this right in their home country. Feel free to share our newsletter with any other interested parties. You are also welcome to show support for our goals and international activities by joining as a member or by making a donation.The DIGNITAS team |
| News from our side |
| Passing of a pioneer and warrior DIGNITAS mourns the death of its founder and Secretary General Ludwig A. Minelli. Minelli died on 29 November 2025 shortly before his 93rd birthday self-determinedly by voluntary assisted dying.media release |
| Country updates |
| France Further political obstructionism and a regrettable decision from Strasbourg |
| Czech Republic The debate on legalizing assisted dying is going round in circles |
| Uruguay Assisted dying legalized after a 5-year debate |
| Inside DIGNITAS |
| Series: Insights into working at DIGNITASPart 4: An interview with Michael from the External Relations Team |
| Did you know that … |
| … it is important to inform relatives before an assisted suicide – but that there is no obligation to do so?“One should not set upon a long journey without careful preparation, and one should not set upon such journey without having appropriately said goodbye to loved ones.” This statement by DIGNITAS founder Ludwig A. Minelli sums up the association’s stance. Those who decide to make use of voluntary assisted dying should, whenever possible, inform their loved ones in good time.read more |