Honouring the people who advanced the right to die.
The federation honours people who have made a significant contribution to the right-to-die movement, in their own countries and internationally.
The 2026 awards.
Nominations for the 2026 awards closed on 1 May 2026. Thank you to everyone who put a candidate forward.
The winners of the Marilynne Seguin Award and the Health Professional Award will be announced at the federation's World Conference in Tokyo, from 25 to 28 November 2026.
Our awards.
Awarded at the federation's world conference, every two years.
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The Marilynne Seguin Award
For a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the right-to-die movement in their own country.
Established in 2004, this award recognises a person who has made an outstanding contribution to achieving legal assisted dying in their own country. It is named after Marilynne Seguin, a Canadian nurse and author of A Gentle Death.
Previous winners
- 2024Maître Jean-Pierre Ménard
- 2022Shayne Higson
- 2018Marco Cappato
- 2016Faye Girsh
- 2014Véronique Hivon
- 2012Russel Ogden
- 2010Debbie Purdy
- 2008Marthy Putz
- 2006Evelyn Martens
- 2004Beatriz Gomez
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Health Professional Award
For the healthcare professional who has set a helpful precedent for the international right-to-die movement. Provided by Dr Michael Irwin.
Created in 2006, this award is presented to a health professional who has advanced the right to die with dignity, particularly through personal risk or advocacy within their profession.
Previous winners
- 2024Dr Rob Jonquière
- 2022Dr Jack Havill
- 2018Stefanie Green
- 2016James Downar
- 2014Rodney Syme
- 2012Franco Cavalli
- 2010Libby Wilson
- 2008Jerome Sobel
- 2006Piet Admiraal
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Lifetime Achievement Award
For contributing so much, so long, so tirelessly and so courageously to our right to a peaceful death.
The federation's highest honour is presented to someone who has advanced the right to die with dignity over many years.
Previous recipients
- 2022Dr Rob Jonquière
- 2014Derek Humphry
Past awards.
Awards the federation no longer gives, with everyone who received them.
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Tenrei Ohta Award
For the individual or organisation that has been a major international influence benefiting the global right-to-die movement.
Provided by the Japan Society for Dying with Dignity (JSDD), as a continuation of the SABA Medal. It was last awarded in 2014.
Winners
- 2014Michael Irwin
- 2012Ludwig Minelli
- 2010Alejandro Amenábar
- 2008Wim Distelmans, Jacqueline Herremans and Raymond Mathys
- 2006Richard MacDonald
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SABA Medal
For the individual or organisation that has been a major international influence benefiting the global right-to-die movement.
Provided by the Japan Society for Dying with Dignity (JSDD). It was last awarded in 2004 and continued as the Tenrei Ohta Award.
Winners
- 2004JSDD
- 2002NVVE
- 2000Derek Humphry
- 1998Sidney Rosoff
- 1996Marshall Perron
Become a supporter.
Supporters are individuals who back the federation's aims with an annual gift of at least €25. You do not need to represent an organisation.