At the End of the Day (1998)

The Sue Rodriguez Story
Wendy Crewson won the Canadian Gemini award for her towering performance as the title character in this made-for-TV biopic. Terminally ill with cancer, Sue Rodriguez wants to exercise the option of ending her own life, primarily to spare her family the trouble and expense of caring for her in her final months. The story explores the effects of Sue's decision on her loved ones, particularly her grief-stricken son who is determined to talk her out of suicide. Throughout, details of Sue's pre-illness existence are filled in via the time-honored "interior monologue" technique. Based on a true story, previously chronicled in the documentary Who Owns My Life?, At the End of the Day: The Sue Rodriguez Story aired in Canada in 1998, then was unveiled October 19, 1999 on the American Lifetime cable network. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

DJE:  This was well-received and a huge legal case in B.C. and Canada.  The biopic may prove difficult to find.

You Don't Know Jack (2010)

This HBO docu-drama about the career of Jack Kevorkian, the physician who became notorious for assisting over 130 suicides, argues that even though many know of him, they don’t really understand him.

It was aired in April 24, 2010 (You Don't Know Jack) and should be out on DVD in a few months.  The NY Times gave it a very positive review.

DJE: I will add more after I've seen YDKJ.

A Choice for K'aila

May Parents Refuse a Transplant for Their Child? [video recording]

SUMMARY: A portrayal of parents faced with a life and death decision about their baby, and a doctor trying to protect the baby's life. Leslie and Francois Paulette were told that their eight-month- old would need a liver transplant to survive. They were deeply disturbed by the possiblity of the baby's enduring painful treatment only to face a life of uncertain prospects. In addition, they held the Native American belief that in this life, the physical and spiritual being is interconnected. Foreign organs from another person should not be transplanted. Their doctor, though sympathetic, was deeply disturbed at the prospect of witholding treatment. He brought the case to the attention of Social Services, who apprehended the family. The case went to court in Alberta, and the family was permitted to take K'aila home to die.

A CBC Television production.
CALL # RD546 .C52 1992.
PUBLISHER: New York, NY : Filmakers Library, c1992.
DESCRIPTION: 1 videocassette (28 min.) : with b&w ; 1/2 in.