Lecture on Assisted Dying – Inspired by the thriller Death on the Tightrope

Many people find the question of assisted dying difficult to navigate. The terminology is used in different ways, and public debate is often characterised by strong opinions and seemingly simple answers to profoundly complex ethical questions.

Drawing on my novel Death on the Tightrope, I explore the research behind the story and show how fiction can create space for conversations about ethical dilemmas that rarely have straightforward answers. Through the novel's narrative, questions of human dignity, autonomy, suffering, and care become tangible and deeply personal.

The lecture places the Danish debate within an international context, offering insight into how different countries have chosen to regulate assisted dying and what can be learned from their experiences. There is ample opportunity for questions, reflection, and dialogue about one of the most debated ethical issues of our time.