Liz Carr, an actress known for her roles in Silent Witness, Good Omens, and The Witcher, has recently made a new BBC documentary called Better Off Dead? tackling the subject of assisted dying. Liz has been an activist against assisted dying long before pursuing acting, and she believes that the majority of people think assisted suicide is a good idea without considering other viewpoints. She points out that many disabled individuals, like herself, have been told that they would rather be dead, reflecting societal attitudes towards disability and quality of life.
In the show, Liz questions the two-tier system that assisted suicide creates, where some individuals are prevented from suicide while others are approved. She expresses concerns about the potential normalization of assisted dying in society and its implications, especially for vulnerable individuals. Liz also highlights the influence of political leaders like Keir Starmer, who has indicated support for a free vote on assisted dying. She emphasizes the importance of hearing and considering the concerns of marginalized groups and not sidelining them from the conversation.
As part of the documentary, Liz travels to Canada where assisted suicide is legal and meets individuals like Amir Farsoud, a person with a severe disability whose application for assisted suicide was approved. Liz also talks to euthanasia doctor Ellen Wiebe, who has assisted in the deaths of over 500 people, and discusses the expansion of assisted dying laws in Canada to include non-terminally ill patients. The film explores ethical dilemmas, such as the potential for financial considerations to influence an individual’s decision to seek assisted suicide.
While some, like Dame Esther Rantzen who has been campaigning for legalizing assisted dying, argue that it offers a humane choice to end suffering, Liz disagrees with the analogy to how pets are spared suffering at the end of life. She fears that the legal scope of assisted dying would continue to widen, as seen in Canada, raising concerns about extending it to children over 12. Drawing from personal experiences in her family, Liz emphasizes the need for protection against self-harm, especially for vulnerable individuals who may be influenced by external factors.
The documentary Better Off Dead? presents a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities surrounding assisted dying, challenging viewers to consider the ethical, moral, and societal implications of such legislation. Liz Carr’s journey to investigate different perspectives on the issue sheds light on the personal and political dimensions of this controversial topic. By engaging with individuals directly impacted by assisted dying laws, the documentary provides a platform for meaningful discussions about autonomy, choice, and safeguarding vulnerable populations. Viewers are encouraged to reflect on their own beliefs and attitudes towards end-of-life decisions and the importance of empathy and understanding in navigating sensitive societal issues.
