The Self-Made Man
Is it ever rational to choose death? On Independence Day at Stern Ranch, 77-year-old solar energy pioneer Bob Stern finds out he’s seriously ill – possibly dying. Meanwhile, an elderly in-law is dying on artificial life support. Bob decides to cheat that fate and take his own life. His family tries to stop him. Bob sets up a video camera. Daughter Susan Stern explores “rational suicide,” the “right-to-die” and the difficult end-of-life choices faced by an aging population.
- genus: Documentary
- Studio: Bernal Beach Films, PBS
- keyword: father, death, assisted suicide, personal narrative
- cast: Bob Stern, Susan Stern, Mike Stern
