the WFRtDS Awards
Celebrating Global Impact
Since its inception, the World Federation of Right to Die Societies has sought to honor those who have made significant contributions to the right-to-die movement. Our awards program highlights achievements across the globe—from national legislative victories to international medical leadership. Through the Marilynne Seguin Award, the Health Professional Award, and our Lifetime Achievement honors, we preserve the history of our movement and the stories of the people who have made “a kinder death” possible.
2026 awards
SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATIONS FOR THE
2026 WFRTDS AWARDS
Submission Deadline: May 1st, 2026
Submissions are now open for all award categories.
The WFRtDS Awards rely on your input to identify excellence in our field. If you know a deserving candidate for the Marilynne Seguin Award or Health Professional Award please submit your proposal before the deadline.
Submit a Nominationour awards
The Marilynne Seguin Award
For the person who has achieved much in her/his country for their national right-to-die movement.
Established in 2004, this award recognises a person who has made an outstanding contribution to achieving legal assisted dying in their own country. Named after Marilynne Seguin, a Canadian nurse and author of A Gentle Death, the award honours those who, like her, have advocated tirelessly to ensure the suffering of others is met with dignity and choice.
previous Winners
2024 Maitre Jean-Pierre Menard 
2022 Shayne Higson 
2018 Marco Cappato 
2016 Faye Girsh 
2014 Véronique Hivon
2012 Russel Ogden
2010 Debby Purdy 
2008 Marthy Putz 
2006 Evelyn Martens
2004 Beatriz Gomez 
our awards
Health Professional Award
For the healthcare professional who has set a helpful precedent for the international right-to-die movement; Provided by Michael Irwin
Created in 2006, this award is presented to a health professional who has shown extraordinary commitment and leadership in advancing the right to die with dignity, particularly through personal risk or advocacy within their profession.
previous Winners
2024 Dr Rob Jonquière 
2022 Dr Jack Havill 
2018 Stefanie Green
2016 James Downar
2014 Rodney Syme
2012 Franco Cavalli 
2010 Libby Wilson 
2008 Jerome Sobel
2006 Piet Admiraal
our awards
WFRtDS Lifetime Achievement Award
For contributing so much, so long, so tirelessly, and so courageously to our right to a peaceful death
This prestigious award is presented to a professional who has demonstrated extraordinary commitment and leadership in advancing the right to die with dignity. It honours those who have relentlessly championed end-of-life autonomy.
previous recipients
2022 Rob Jonquiere
2014 Derek Humphry
our awards
Tenrei Ohta Award
Provided by Japanese JSDD, as continuation of SABA medal (ended in 2014)
For the individual (or organization) who (which) has been a major international influence benefiting the global right-to-die movement.
previous Winners
2014 Michael Irwin
2012 Ludwig Minelli
2010 Alejandro Amenabar 
2008 Wim Distelmans, Jacqueline Herremans and Raymond Mathys 
2006 Richard MacDonald
our awards
SABA Medal
Provided by Japanese JSDD (ended in 2004)
For the individual (or organization) who (which) has been a major international influence benefiting the global right-to-die movement.
previous Winners
2004 JSDD 
2002 NVVE
2000 Derek Humphry
1998 Sydney Rossoff
1996 Marshall Perron
Become a supporter
A supporter is an individual who supports the aims of the Federation and contributes with an annual gift of a minimum of US $25.
The World Federation of Right to Die Societies unites organizations across the globe, but our strength truly lies in the people who stand behind us. You don’t need to represent an organization to make a difference. As an individual Supporter, you become a vital part of the international movement for self-determination and compassionate end of life care.
By joining us, you directly contribute to:
- Global Advocacy: Supporting campaigns that challenge outdated laws and promote human rights in international forums.
- Education & Research: Helping us distribute essential information, scientific data, and legal resources to countries where the right to die is under threat.
- A Unified Voice: Adding your name to the growing list of citizens worldwide who believe that a peaceful death is a fundamental human right.
To become a recognized Supporter, we ask for a minimum annual contribution of US $25. Your gift ensures we can continue our work to support activists, educate parliamentarians, and provide expert knowledge wherever it is needed.
Ready to Join?
Becoming a Supporter is simple. Download the form below to get started.
Download the Supporter formOur members societies work worldwide to raise awareness of voluntary assisted dying
Around 350 million people around the world are fortunate in having some form of right to die legislation to call upon if their personal situation requires it.
However, the fight continues to extend that right to everyone else. With more than 30 years of reliable data available which underlines the safety and efficacy of voluntary assisted dying, the Federation works with local organisations to support activists, educate parliamentarians and provide expert knowledge wherever it is needed.
Canada
DWD Canada fighting every day to challenge mis and dis-information about their law
Australia
DWD Victoria launched a successful Young Ambassadors programme in 2024, now being rolled out worldwide.
Brazil
The Federation welcomed Eu Decido in 2025, fighting for end of life rights for South America’s largest country.
Spain
DMD Catalunya has been fighting for the right of patients who have been blocked from a peaceful death by the actions of faith based lawyers.
latest news
The latest news from our members and from around the world
Our members produce helpful factsheets and newsletters. The Federation is always happy to share other sources of information in favour of our joint mission to advance assisted dying around the world.
