AllMovie

This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, explores the moral, ethical, and physical responsibilities of life and the right to either live it or take it away. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode looks closely at the case of coma patient Karen Ann Quinlan, whose parents fought for her to be removed from life support. 20th Century With Mike Wallace talks with Daniel Callahan, an ethicist from the Hastings Center of New York, and Susan Mascitelli, head of patient advocacy for New York Hospital. Both of these experts share their personal and professional views on the subject of life and whose responsibility it is to take life. There is also a look at the work of Dr. Jack Kevorkian and the pros and cons of how he assists with the suicide of the terminally ill.