Elizabeth Bouvia, a young woman suffering from severe disabilities, captured public attention in 1983 when she attempted to starve herself in a hospital, asserting her right to choose death. Despite her desires, a court ruled against her. A new documentary by Reid Davenport explores Bouvia's story and broader issues of euthanasia and assisted dying. Davenport, who shares Bouvia's condition, argues that many disabled individuals seeking assisted dying often do so due to a perceived lack of support in society. Today, legal options for assisted dying have expanded in regions like Canada, reflecting evolving attitudes on the subject.
Bouvia maintained that life did not feel worth living and that she found life in a hospital intolerable.
Davenport's research suggests that disabled people requesting assisted dying may be reacting to societal lack of support or acceptance.
In 2019, Canada expanded its Medical Assistance in Dying program, allowing individuals with chronic illnesses to request euthanasia.
Today, in some jurisdictions, Bouvia would have the right to die, reflecting changing perspectives on assisted dying.
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