Collegium Helveticum
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In the media

Assisted Suicide in Film and Literature
Senior Fellow Anna Elsner Discusses Her Latest Project on Swissinfo

Informations

Leutenegger, M. "How Film and Literature Have Influenced the Acceptance of Assisted Suicide," SWI swissinfo.ch, January 6, 2025.
Link to article

The article "How Film and Literature Have Influenced the Acceptance of Assisted Suicide" on SWI swissinfo examines how artistic portrayals shape societal and legislative perspectives on assisted dying. Senior Fellow Anna Elsner, Associate Professor of French Studies and Medical Humanities at the University of St. Gallen, leads the ERC-funded AssistedLab, which investigates the aesthetics, laws, and ethics of assisted dying.

Anna's research highlights the significant impact of cultural narratives on public discourse and policy development concerning end-of-life issues. Her work underscores the reciprocal relationship between art and society, demonstrating how literature and film not only reflect but also influence the evolving acceptance of assisted suicide. By analyzing various artistic representations, she provides insights into the complex ethical and legal debates surrounding assisted dying.

A workshop organized by Anna Elsner and her Assisted Lab on April 8 and 9 2025 at the Collegium Helveticum will explore "existential suffering", its cultural dimensions, and its implications for assisted dying frameworks.