Fallback

Bill Moyers: On Our Own Terms

Where to Watch Bill Moyers: On Our Own Terms

No Episodes Available Yet

Bill Moyers: On Our Own Terms, a compelling and sensitive production from the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) in 2000, navigates through the labyrinth of end-of-life decisions and what it means for individuals and their loved ones. Anchored by iconic journalist and public commentator, Bill Moyers, this four-part documentary series confronts a complex but universal aspect of human existence - the process of dying. It opens up a dialogue about how the American healthcare system manages death and broaches the intricacies of palliative care, hospice facilities, impending death, and the influence of familial, cultural, and spiritual concepts about mortality.

Episode by episode, Bill Moyers delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by the end-of-life care narrative. In a world where technology and medicine continuously strive to prolong life, this sobering program portrays the flip side - the humane choice of accepting the unavoidable while striving towards a dignified and peaceful closure. On Our Own Terms evaluates the deep-seated paradigms about dying, attempting to decipher why these conversations remain difficult and often avoided, despite death being an inseparable part of life.

The first segment titled "Living With Dying" presents detailed incidents into the lives of patients, families, and caregivers, highlighting their experiences as they grapple with terminal illness. It underscores the crucial role of communication between the patient and the medical team, emphasizing the importance of honesty and transparency.

“A Different Kind of Care'' forms the second part of this series. It explores the world of palliative and hospice care, introducing viewers to inspiring individuals and organizations that have made it their mission to mitigate the suffering of terminally ill patients. This episode strikes a delicate balance between medical treatment and patient comfort, spotlighting the varied perspectives on life-quality versus life-quantity.

The third episode, "A Death of One’s Own", follows the journeys of individuals as they confront their impending mortality. This personal and intimate exploration covers their struggles, fears, acceptance, and preparation—both, tangible and emotional—for the inevitable. The episode artfully explores death's human face, driving home the reality and finality of this universal experience.

The series concludes with "A Time to Change," which parallels the evolving notions of dying in the American healthcare landscape with the need for a more patient-focused approach. It broaches the pressing need for policy change and reform in end-of-life care, while encapsulating the journey of patients, families, and healthcare providers through the difficult labyrinth of dying.

The use of personal stories and testimonials makes Bill Moyers: On Our Own Terms relatable, emotive, and deeply resonant. Throughout the series, Moyers handles a tough topic with characteristic sensitivity, perceptiveness, and eloquence. He skillfully interweaves narrative and analysis, interspersed with interviews with medical experts, ethicists, spiritual leaders, and policy influencers who shed light on different aspects of the end-of-life trajectory.

The documentary emphasizes the importance of empathy, compassion, and understanding from the health care industry while encouraging viewers to have the difficult, yet significant conversation surrounding end-of-life choices. Bill Moyers: On Our Own Terms not only explores the medical, ethical, and practical aspects of terminal illness care, but it also offers a humanistic perspective to the inevitable end, thus bringing a seldom-discussed topic to the forefront.

The series is an important commentary on the dynamics of the healthcare field, palliative care, and the silent epidemic of avoidable suffering at the end of life. It serves as a significant resource for anyone facing terminal illnesses, either personally or within their family, and for medical professionals, therapists, care providers, and policy-makers.

Using the formidable power of personal stories of courage, resilience, and acceptance, Bill Moyers: On Our Own Terms stands as a significant contribution to the public discourse about death and dying. Through its empathetic and enlightened handling of a tough issue, the series invites viewers to confront their fears, engage in the dialogue and empowers them to make informed choices about their life and eventual demise. Despite the weighty topic, On Our Own Terms is ultimately a celebration of life and human strength that is bound to resonate with every viewer.

Bill Moyers: On Our Own Terms is a series categorized as a new series. Spanning 1 seasons with a total of 4 episodes, the show debuted on 2000. The series has earned a no reviews from both critics and viewers. The IMDb score stands at undefined.

Stars
Bill Moyers
Genres