“Terry Pratchett documentary was a highly biased way to highlight the deeply complex and emotive issues surrounding assisted suicide. Please complain to the BBC today. Please ask for a documentary explaining why large numbers of disabled and terminally ill people fear a change in the law as advocated in the Terry Pratchett documentary. This must be done by the end of the week for maximum impact. Thank you
Channel:
BBC2
Programme title:
Terry Pratchett: Choosing to Die
Transmission date:
13/06/2011
Complaint category:
Bias
Complaint summary:
A biased argument promoting assisted suicide. It is easy to do. Google BBC complaints and you just fill in a form on the website. Numbers matter so get those mouses clicking.
Full complaint:
A biased argument that promoted Assisted suicide and failed to give a balanced argument from disabled and terminally ill people who fear the consequences of legalising assisted dying. The documentary focused on those that were dying giving only a cursory coverage of someone who chose to live in a hospice. I have yet to see a documentary that investigates in depth people who choose to live and what support services they receive in order to prolong their life with dignity, as opposed to ending it prematurely. Without balanced representation the argument of assisted suicide becomes one-sided and more misinformed people will believe that assisted suicide is the most humane course of action to take. Terry Pratchett: Choosing to Die documentary perpetuates the negative bleak attitude society already has towards disability/terminal illness, delivering the message that death is better than becoming dependent on others”.