FRONTLINE | "Suicide Tourist" Clip | PBS

Watch this program online at http://video.pbs.org/video/1430431984/ http://www.pbs.org/frontline/suicidetourist In this clip from "The Suicide Tourist," ALS sufferer Craig Ewert explains his decision to end his own life and discusses the argument that committing suicide is the equivalent of "playing God." "The Suicide Tourist" airs Tuesday, March 2 at 9PM on PBS (check local listings).

Do we have the right to end our lives if life itself becomes unbearable, or when we enter the late-stages of painful, terminal illness? The questions, debated for centuries, have only grown more pressing in recent years as medical technology has allowed us to live longer lives, and several U.S. states have legalized physician-assisted suicide. With unique access to Dignitas, the Swiss non-profit that has helped over one thousand people die since 1998, Academy award- winning filmmaker John Zaritsky offers a revealing look at a couple facing the most difficult decision of their lives—and lets us see for ourselves as one Chicago native makes the trip to Switzerland for what will become the last day of his life.

Watch "The Suicide Tourist" on air and online beginning Tuesday, March 2 on PBS (check local listings) and at http://www.pbs.org/frontline/suicidetourist

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• pbs
• frontline
• suicide tourism
• Dignitas
• assisted suicide
• John Zaritsky

[sleestack808]

he makes a great point.

[dougsgirl63]

My father died of ALS it is a cruel and painful death.All US states should have this program when there is no hope.

[litecry22]

In school before we graduate we are ask to choose one of the social issues of today, and i am just so proud to have finally found this video because actually almost the whole campus are against euthanasia.. and by the use of this video i can show that we really need a choice :')

[CHASTEWOMAN]

we are kinder to animals we put them down when they are suffering..........

[mattweihl]

@nowfoundmichael You are an idiot.

[nowfoundmichael]

I can tell he's faking it

[FREEAMERICANOW69]

@yusufolokun

"Everybody should have the freedom to die, healthy or unhealthy"

agree, ppl's morality shouldn't dictated another's quality of life or death---if one wants a clean death and have the money to do it, i don't see a problem.

[buddhasknowbest]

@BlueRaven1702

Medical technology does not come from God. It comes from scientists and people of the medical profession who work hard to bring these innovations to us. Thanks for slapping them in the face and giving credit to someone else. Jerk.

[BlueRaven1702]

I agree, that being on a machine to KEEP you alive, is not helpful, but at the same point if it is possible to be on a machine for a SHORT amount of time until healthy is just God's gift for us...

[fiona1282]

I caught just a snippet of the program the other night and I couldn't believe what I was seeing...this man's bravery, heart and love for his family was transparent. What he chose to do was not easy. He has a right to choose his own transition without the scrutiny of political agendas. May he be in the arms of the angels.

[GoGopinkGoGo]

@dougsgirl63 whats so painful about it? jw i'm so confused

[Succubus2Angel]

It is truly the hardest decision one or the families could ever make. Ultimately, when all and said is done, it should be the victim's final say (or next of kin if unable to make an informed decision on their own) as that is their body and only they can feel the awful pain they're going through.

To allow that person to let go, and be free, is one of the most loving acts a person can do for another, and an understanding the families' financial and emotional tax. Let them go peacefully instead o