Terry Pratchett: Choosing To Die (2011)
Terry Pratchett: Choosing to Die is a 2011 one-off television documentary produced by KEO North for BBC Scotland.
Directed and produced by Charlie Russell, the film delves into the sensitive subject of assisted death. It features Terry Pratchett, the renowned author, who himself was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2008.
In this poignant exploration, Pratchett considers how he might choose to end his life before the disease takes over.
The heart of the documentary lies in the story of Peter Smedley, an English millionaire hotelier. Diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2008, Smedley faces the daunting reality of his condition.
Pratchett meets with the Smedleys to discuss dying, and then he explores the experiences of others. He visits the widow of Belgian writer Hugo Claus, who chose to end his life after developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Pratchett also talks to Mick Gordelier, a retired London taxi driver with motor neurone disease, who prefers hospice care over suicide.
The film then follows Andrew Colgan, a 42-year-old multiple sclerosis sufferer, who, like Peter Smedley, decides to seek assisted death at Dignitas, a Swiss organization that provides euthanasia services.
Pratchett accompanies the Smedleys to Switzerland, where he witnesses Peter Smedley’s final moments as he takes a lethal dose of the barbiturate Nembutal, surrounded by loved ones and Dignitas staff.
Throughout the documentary, Pratchett navigates the complexities of assisted death. He examines the legal and ethical aspects of this controversial topic, shedding light on the realm where personal choice intersects with societal norms.
The film sparked strong controversy and criticism from conservative Christian and anti-abortion organizations, accusing it of bias.
However, the BBC, pro-assisted death organization Dignity in Dying, and Terry Pratchett himself denied these accusations, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue and understanding.
In summary, Terry Pratchett: Choosing to Die is an exploration of life, death, and personal autonomy. It unveils the secrets of a deeply personal journey, designed to enhance our suite of knowledge and compassion.
