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Clinic Wants to Help Healthy Woman Kill Self

Swiss founder argues option shouldn't be only for terminally ill

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 3, 2009 9:17 AM CDT

(Newser) – The founder of a Swiss assisted-suicide center thinks the Brits are too narrow-minded about the service he offers—it should be available to everyone, not just the terminally ill. The center has sparked an uproar in Britain over plans to help a healthy woman kill herself, the Times of London reports. The woman’s husband is terminally ill, and the Canadian pair agreed to die together. Preparing for a court fight, Dignitas founder Ludwig Minelli told the BBC that suicide was a “marvelous opportunity.”

“As a human rights lawyer I am opposed to the idea of paternalism," said Minelli. "We do not make decisions for other people. We should have a nicer attitude to suicide, saying suicide is a very good possibility to escape.” Anyone with "mental capacity" should have the right to choose, he says.

The entrance of the building in Schwerzenbach, Switzerland, that houses Dignitas is shown in 2007.
The entrance of the building in Schwerzenbach, Switzerland, that houses Dignitas is shown in 2007.   (AP Photo/Keystone, Alessandro Della Bella)
Ludwig A. Minelli, founder of Dignitas, a Zurich-based organization dedicated to the cause of dignified dying, is shown in 2002.
Ludwig A. Minelli, founder of Dignitas, a Zurich-based organization dedicated to the cause of dignified dying, is shown in 2002.   (AP Photo/Keystone, Gaetan Bally)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
atris999
Apr 3, 2009 7:09 AM CDT
I'd like to agree with you, I had a similar stance when talking to a friend. He suggested that our actions directly/indirectly affect those around us. Let's say you or a close friend committed suicide. Potentially it could create a psychological ripple effect through your loved ones, therefore causing pain (hurt). My point is to be mindful of your actions.

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