Watch Bill Moyers: On Our Own Terms
- 2000
- 1 Season
Bill Moyers: On Our Own Terms is a PBS documentary series that explores the complex and often controversial issues surrounding death and dying in America. Hosted by veteran journalist Bill Moyers, the show delves into the personal stories and experiences of people facing the end of their lives, as well as the doctors, nurses, caregivers, and policymakers who help them navigate this difficult journey.
Over the course of four episodes, Moyers tackles a range of topics related to end-of-life care, from hospice and palliative care to physician-assisted suicide and the right to die. Through interviews with experts in the field, as well as candid conversations with patients and their families, the series challenges viewers to consider their own beliefs and values around death and dying, and to think critically about the choices facing us all at the end of life.
In the first episode, "Living with Dying," Moyers introduces viewers to the concept of palliative care, a type of medical care focused on relieving pain and providing comfort to seriously ill patients. The show follows several patients and their families as they navigate this new form of care, often challenging their previous beliefs and fears around death. Moyers also interviews Dr. Ira Byock, a leading expert in palliative care, who offers insights into how medical professionals can better support their patients at this crucial time.
The second episode, "Choosing Care," explores the difficult decisions facing patients and their families as they navigate the complex healthcare system. Moyers profiles several people with chronic illnesses who must weigh the benefits and risks of treatment options, while also grappling with the financial and emotional costs of healthcare. The episode also examines the role of healthcare providers in guiding patients through these decisions, and includes interviews with several doctors and nurses who strive to provide compassionate care to their patients.
In "A Death of One's Own," the third episode, Moyers explores the controversial issue of physician-assisted suicide, and the right of terminally ill patients to end their own lives. The show profiles several people with serious illnesses who have chosen this option, as well as advocates and opponents of the practice. Moyers also interviews Dr. Timothy Quill, a physician who made headlines in 1991 when he wrote about helping one of his patients end her life, and who continues to advocate for the right to die with dignity.
Finally, in "A Time to Change," the fourth and final episode, Moyers focuses on the need for systemic change in the way we approach end-of-life care in America. The show profiles several innovative programs and organizations that are working to improve the quality of care for seriously ill patients, including a hospice program that provides care for homeless people, and a nonprofit that helps families record and preserve the stories of their dying loved ones. Moyers also interviews experts in healthcare policy, who discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the healthcare system as our population ages.
Bill Moyers: On Our Own Terms is a powerful and thought-provoking series that raises important questions about a topic that touches us all. As Moyers himself says, "How we die is as important as how we live." Through intimate and moving stories, the show encourages viewers to confront their own assumptions and beliefs, and to consider how we can all work to improve the dying experience for ourselves and our loved ones.