Wikipedia
Dignitas is a Latin word referring to a unique, intangible, and culturally subjective social concept in the ancient Roman mindset. The word does not have a direct translation in English. Some interpretations include " dignity", which is a derivation from "dignitas", and " prestige" or "charisma".
With respect to ancient Rome, dignitas was regarded as the sum of the personal clout and influence that a male citizen acquired throughout his life. When weighing the dignitas of a particular individual, factors such as personal reputation, moral standing, and ethical worth had to be considered, along with the man's entitlement to respect and proper treatment.
Dignitas is a Swiss nonprofit member's society providing assisted / accompanied suicide to those members of the organisation who suffer from terminal illness and/or severe physical and/or mental illnesses, supported by (of the organization independent) qualified Swiss doctors. They have helped over 2,100 people die at home within Switzerland and at Dignitas' house/flat near Zürich. Additionally, they do advisory work on palliative care, health care advance directive and suicide attempt prevention and they have been leading and supporting numerous court cases and legislation projects for right-to-die laws around the world. Members of Dignitas who wish for an assisted suicide have to be of sound judgement, themselves able to do the last act which brings about death, and submit a formal request including a letter explaining their wish to die and most of all medical reports showing diagnosis and treatments tried. For people with severe psychiatric illnesses, additionally, an in-depth medical report prepared by a psychiatrist that establishes the patient's condition, is required as to a Swiss Supreme Court decision.
Dignitas may refer to:
- Dignitas (Roman concept), a Roman virtue
- Dignitas (assisted dying organisation)
- Dignitas International, a humanitarian organisation
- Team Dignitas, a UK based eSports team
- Dignitas Personae, a Vatican instruction on bioethics