'Obituary' by Sathya Dhara Kovac
Sathya Dhara Kovac
In this self-written obituary to her loved ones, Sathya Kovac condemns the societal structures that led to her death by medical assistance in dying on October 3, 2022, at the age of 44. Sathya points not to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) as the cause of her death, but rather the lack of supports and services that would have promoted her independence and quality of life.
'All is Beauty/The Most Beautiful Exit' by Simons
La Maison Simons, Broken Heart Love Affair
The advertisement All is Beauty depicts in a positive light the final days of a woman’s life prior to her choosing to receive an assisted death. It was, however, pulled after news reports revealed that the protagonist had been vocal about the lack of support for her illness, and how this influenced her desire for an assisted death.
'Amour' by Michael Haneke
Michael Haneke (director and writer)
Diagnosed with a severe, neurodegenerative condition, Anne steadily declines into a state near paralyses, leaving her entirely dependent on her husband, Georges, and the nurses he employs. Following ever-increasing pressures on Georges, he makes the snap decision to suffocate his wife, in what is presented as a mercy killing, calling us to question the definition of an assisted death.
'Les Invasions barbares' by Denys Arcand
Denys Arcand (director and writer)
In the absence of adequate palliative pain relief and palliative care provision, Rémy begins taking heroin to combat his cancer-induced suffering. As his condition deteriorates, he decides that he wants to end his life. With the help of his family and friends, he is given an overdose of heroin and passes away peacefully with his family around him.
'Manon: Le Dernier Droit' by Benoît Dutrizac, André Saint-Pierre, Marie-Josée Lévesque, et al.
Benoît Dutrizac, André Saint-Pierre, Marie-Josée Lévesque, et al.
After battling multiple sclerosis for much of her life, Manon Brunelle attempted to take her life herself. After this unsuccessful attempt, the documentary tells the story of why she is choosing to end her life in Switzerland through the organization Dignitas.
'Recordings' by Roger Foley
Roger Foley
In these audio recordings, Roger Foley discusses medical assistance in dying with staff of the hospital where he lives. In the conversations, hospital staff raise the possibility of medical assistance in dying as Roger, who never mentioned the issue, asserts his need for self-directed funding so he can live in the community.