AllMovie

Addressing bioethical issues as they relate to the individual and society, this video takes a hard hitting look at the question of whether a patient has the right to make decisions about death. At New York's Roosevelt Hospital, Dr. David Finley, director of Critical Care, states his belief that the patient's wishes should be honored. However, he also acknowledges the fact that doctors are trained to save lives and will therefore be reluctant to terminate a patient. Roger Weisberg's documentary, with Dr. Finley's assistance, questions the justification for spending huge amounts of money on prolonging life when many peolpe are still denied basic care.