Actress Liz Carr Questions Assisted Dying in Documentary 'Better Off Dead?'

Liz Carr, an actress known for her roles in "Silent Witness" and "The Normal Heart," is set to feature in a documentary titled "Better Off Dead?" which explores the topic of assisted dying. The film, soon to be aired on BBC One on May 14, 2024, presents Carr’s stance against the legalization of assisted dying. Despite her disability from a rare autoimmune condition that manifested at age seven, Carr has been an outspoken critic of assisted dying, arguing that it often intersects with societal attitudes towards disability.

The documentary delves into personal stories, including Carr's own experiences and challenges from childhood into adulthood, shaped by her disability. Through her narrative, Carr questions the implications of extending assisted dying laws to various vulnerable groups, including those with disabilities and mental health issues, as seen in some recent legislative adjustments in Canada.

Carr’s career has been marked not only by her acting but also by her activism, especially concerning disability rights and the portrayal of disabled individuals in media. Her advocacy is informed by her understanding of the 'social model of disability,' which she explored during her studies in law at the University of Nottingham. This model suggests that societal barriers are often more disabling than the medical condition itself.

"Better Off Dead?" also encompasses Carr's reflections on public and media reactions to disabled individuals choosing to end their lives, provoked by the case of Daniel James, a young man who became paralyzed and later died by assisted suicide. The documentary seeks to offer a balanced perspective on this contentious issue and challenges the audience to think critically about the consequences of legalizing assisted dying, particularly for the disabled community.