Schools
Prescription for Peace of Mind: An Option For The Terminally Ill
Karin Schwanbeck, professor emerita of journalism at Quinnipiac University, has produced the documentary, 'Prescription for Peace of Mind'
HAMDEN, CT - Karin Schwanbeck, of Middletown, professor emerita of journalism at Quinnipiac University, has produced the documentary, “Prescription for Peace of Mind: An option for the terminally ill.”
The film was recently accepted by the National Educational Telecommunications Association for national distribution to its 277 PBS member stations starting in January 2021.
The 56-minute documentary tells the story of three terminally ill patients who want the option of medical aid in dying. For two patients in the documentary, it is too late. The third patient takes matters into her own hands.
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Schwanbeck said 10 jurisdictions have a death with dignity law, but some states still grapple with the ethical, moral and religious dilemmas. In 2020, states such as Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island, Virginia and Kansas dropped the discussion in the wake of COVID-19. Currently in Massachusetts, the bill has moved on to a second committee for consideration.
Schwanbeck served as the executive producer, writer and reporter for “Prescription for Peace of Mind: An option for the terminally ill.” Her husband, Bill Schwanbeck, was the videographer and editor. It is her fourth documentary.
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Karin Schwanbeck received $5,500 in Quinnipiac summer research grant funds to produce the documentary, which took almost three years to shoot and edit.
On Dec. 15, there will be a virtual panel discussion about the documentary in conjunction with The Completed Life Initiative and End of Life Choices New York. The documentary also will be shown by the Connecticut chapter of the ALS Association to help raise funds for family members of ALS patients.
John Thomas, who teaches health law at Quinnipiac, was interviewed for the documentary. Mike Schleif, assistant director of operations for the School of Communications, helped with animation and special effects, and Jim O'Connor, media production specialist for the university’s Ed McMahon Communications Center, provided drone footage.
Schwanbeck said she plans to virtually screen the documentary at Quinnipiac.
