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Swiss Suicide “Clinic” Probed for Profiteering

By Kathleen Gilbert

FORCH, Switzerland, January 9, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Dignitas, the famous Swiss assisted suicide “clinic” responsible for the deaths of about 900 people, is being forced to lay open its records in an investigation of alleged profiteering.

Dignitas founder Ludwig Minelli is said to have become a millionaire thanks to exorbitant fees paid by some of his clients, including one patient alleged to have been charged $130,000. 

Normally Dignitas, which is billed as a not-for-profit organization, charges its patients €4,000 ($5,403) for preparation and suicide assistance, and €7,000 ($9,455) if the patient requests the clinic to manage the funeral, medical costs and official fees. 

While Dignitas' operations are legal in Switzerland, it is illegal to assist at a suicide for personal gain. Dignitas, however, has repeatedly refused to open its financial information to the public in the past.

"We still don't even know what Dignitas does with the 10,000 Swiss francs it is paid or what it is for," Juerg Vollenweider, Zurich's state prosecutor, said.  "If we are kept from taking a look into their accounting, we could see that as selfish motives." 

According to the Swiss newspaper 'Blick,' Mr. Minelli has not yet handed over his accounts, claiming they must first be transferred from old software.

"As soon as I find enough time I'll do it," was Minelli's response.  "If the state prosecution feels I'm making myself rich, they should start legal proceedings."

"The money shouldn't be the issue. The killing should," said bioethicist Wesley Smith in response to the news.  But, he said, “This is Switzerland, where ... the mentally ill have a right to assisted suicide, and there is a growth industry in suicide tourism."

See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:

Neighbor's Complaints Succeed in Evicting Dignitas from Residence
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2007/jul/07071705.html

Euthanasia Doctor Commits Suicide after Finding Patient He Killed Was Not Terminally Ill
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2005/nov/05112103.html

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