Watch Louis Theroux: Altered States - Choosing Death

Louis Theroux: Altered States - Choosing Death is a captivating and thought-provoking documentary that explores the controversial topic of assisted dying. In this one-hour episode, acclaimed journalist Louis Theroux travels to California, one of the few places in the world that has legalized assisted suicide, to meet people who have made the difficult decision to end their lives and those who support them.

The film begins with an interview with a woman called Christine, who suffers from stage 4 cancer and has been given only a few months to live. Christine explains how she has decided to take control of her own death by choosing to end her life through a lethal dose of medication prescribed by her doctor. Theroux follows her journey as she makes preparations for her death, including saying goodbye to her loved ones and holding a farewell party.

Theroux also speaks with Dr. Lonny Shavelson, a physician who has helped hundreds of terminally ill patients to end their lives. Dr. Shavelson explains the strict criteria that must be met before a patient can be prescribed the necessary medication, and the ethical challenges that come with such a controversial practice.

The documentary then shifts focus to a group of activists who are lobbying for the legalization of assisted suicide in other states across America. These activists argue that individuals should have the right to choose how they die, just as they have the right to choose how they live. The film highlights the moral and legal complexities of the issue, as well as the personal stories of those who are directly affected.

Throughout the documentary, Theroux asks probing and empathetic questions of the people he interviews, encouraging them to share their thoughts and feelings on this sensitive topic. His non-judgmental approach allows viewers to form their own opinions and provides a refreshing alternative to the polarizing debates that often surround the assisted dying issue.

Louis Theroux: Altered States - Choosing Death is a moving and thought-provoking documentary that asks tough questions about life, death, and the right to choose. It provides intimate insight into the lives of those who have chosen to end their suffering and the professionals who assist them, painting a nuanced picture of a complex and divisive subject.