New Documentary Footage Chronicles Euthanasia Abuses in Oregon, Netherlands

New footage examining the practical application of Oregon's Death with Dignity Act has just been edited for release. The official report of assisted suicide in Oregon admits the practice has become much more widespread, and even includes the caveat that it does "not include patients and physicians who act outside the law."

Brian Johnston's documentary film Death As A Salesman: What's Wrong With Assisted Suicide has been updated with documentation of the abuses. "I suppose you could call it a 'director's cut,'" said Johnston, director of National Right to Life's Western Office. "I was particularly concerned that the abuses in Oregon be made known. There are so many facts about the death of vulnerable patients that the state's 'official reports' tend to gloss over."

Recent revelations of widespread abuse and non-reporting in the Netherlands have also come to light. "These are things that have to be looked at and talked about," said Johnston. "Sadly this is a topic that many are uncomfortable with; they may feel intuitively that something's wrong, but they don't know how to talk about it. All of the 'public discourse' seems to glibly report that it is a 'controlled and compassionate situation,' but nothing could be further from the truth."

Ted Baehr, of Movieguide, calls the video "Highly Recommended! Must Viewing!" Dr. Wanda Franz, NRLC president, said that Death As A Salesman is "powerful...the best euthanasia video I've seen."

The documentary includes interviews with Kenneth Stevens, Oregon oncologist and president of Physicians for Compassionate Care; Gayle Atteberry of Oregon Right to Life; Joni Earackson Tada; Johnston; Derek Humphry, co-founder of the Hemlock Society; and numerous others on both sides of the issue.

Filmed throughout the world, the 20-minute documentary is an overview of the debate, and is suitable for public broadcast. It is structured for viewing in a classroom or discussion group setting.

Death As A Salesman: What's Wrong With Assisted Suicide is available for $21.95 on VHS or DVD from New Regency Publishing, (800) 266-5639.