What does one do when a terminally ill loved one asks for help in committing suicide? This thought-provoking film addresses this issue through the stories of people who had to make difficult choices.

Defining Life goes beyond the debate of withdrawing life support in a hospital. Dr. Jack Kevorkian is shown speaking about his views on euthanasia. The film then focuses on the case of Bernard Harper and his terminally ill wife, Ginger. She begged to have her life ended so she would not have to suffer. For abetting her suicide, Harper was charged with murder. After an emotional trial, the court found him innocent.

On the other hand, we see the case of Luane, who was left helpless and in a vegetative state after a car accident in 1954. Her family never considered "letting her die." Sixteen years later she recovered enough to permit the removal of her feeding tubes and to sit in a wheel chair. Despite severe physical limitations, she lives each day fully.

John, an AIDS sufferer, states his case for the right to have a "good death."

"This video is not only right up with current events, but challenges ones emotions and ethics like no other."
‒Derek Humphry Author, Final Exit

"Thorough. . . well organized. . . a good discussion starter."
‒Science Books & Films

"An extraordinary rich piece of work."
‒The Gerontologist

Red Ribbon, American Film & Video Festival, 1992
Association for Death Education and Counseling, 1992
International Congress on the Care of the Terminally Ill. 1992