Filmmaker Reid Davenport’s thoughtful film begins with footage from a 1983 California court case in which 26-year-old Elizabeth Bouvia, born with cerebral palsy, is the plaintiff requesting the right to die by assisted suicide. She explains that she is tired of “relying on everyone” and feels her quality of life is over. The court outcome is not revealed in the opening shots, and the film moves on to other individuals, such as Canadian resident Michael Kaliszan, whose primary caregiver was his late mother. Although he is employed and Canada provides universal healthcare, he fears it won’t be enough to keep him well cared for.
Davenport, who also has cerebral palsy, interviews some of the featured individuals, including Bouvia’s siblings, who personally and emotionally discuss their relationship with their sister and describe how her life unfolded following the high-profile court case, in which the judge denied her request. They look through family photos and recount how she endured many surgeries and died in 2014.
The film also touches upon legislation, including Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) Act, which allows individuals to apply for assisted death. Questions are raised about decision-makers—who determines whether someone is “vulnerable,” and what exactly defines “quality of life”? We also see New York State Senate hearings where a lobbying group supports the passage of a bill similar to Canada’s, while some disabled persons adamantly oppose such legislation due to a variety of concerns, including financial implications and the fear that “the cheapest option is to die.”
Other cases are highlighted as well, such as that of a Texas man whose doctor, during the COVID crisis, told his wife that the patient “was trapped in a useless body” and would receive no further treatment.
While the film does not offer definitive answers, it touches a nerve and is strongly suggested for college students, healthcare workers, and others interested in sparking discussion around ethics, medical care, intervention, disabilities, and the right to die. Recommended.
How can this assisted dying documentary support classroom discussions on medical ethics and disability rights?
Life After offers a complex and emotionally charged entry point into classroom discussions around medical ethics, autonomy, and disability rights. Its nuanced treatment of real-life cases—including that of Elizabeth Bouvia and contemporary individuals in Canada and the U.S.—invites students to critically examine the philosophical and legal dimensions of assisted dying. The film doesn’t offer easy answers, which makes it especially valuable for debate and reflection in college-level ethics, bioethics, disability studies, and social work courses. Its inclusion of firsthand testimonies from disabled individuals, family members, lawmakers, and healthcare professionals fosters interdisciplinary engagement and encourages students to confront assumptions about suffering, dignity, and quality of life.
Should public and academic libraries add this assisted dying documentary to their film collections?
Yes—this assisted dying documentary is a compelling addition to both public and academic library collections. For academic institutions, it aligns well with curricula in medical humanities, health law, and disability justice. Public libraries will find value in the film’s accessible yet deeply human exploration of one of society’s most difficult ethical conversations. It supports community dialogue around healthcare equity, end-of-life care, and legislative change, and would make an especially powerful choice for programming around disability rights awareness, healthcare reform, or National Healthcare Decisions Day. Recommended for thoughtful viewers seeking to better understand the personal stakes and policy debates surrounding the right to die.
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