The Suicide Plan

Miri Navasky and Karen O'Connor's PBS-aired Frontline documentary takes a mature and frequently heartbreaking look at terminally ill patients who seek assistance in ending their lives. Outside of Oregon and Washington state, physician-assisted suicide is illegal in the U.S.; however, that hasn't stopped many suffering people with incurable and devastating illnesses from soliciting aid in bringing their pain-plagued lives to a close. Many have sought the assistance of the Final Exit Network, which maintains strict criteria regarding whom they will help. The Network's activities have also caught the attention of law enforcement, and this film follows a pair of federal agents who try to apprehend the organization's leaders and shut down their operations. However, the court system offers more than a few surprises in regard to where terminally ill people of sound mind can choose to die. Both sides of the issue are presented here, largely via interviews with affected individuals, “assisters,” and representatives of various groups, providing a cogent consideration of the legal, medical, moral, and psychological aspects of the debate. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)