ABOUT THE PROJECT

LOGLINE
NPR’s Diane Rehm investigates the right-to-die movement.

SYNOPSIS
WHEN MY TIME COMES is an examination of the right-to-die movement, using the story of nationally-syndicated talk show host and Peabody-award winner Diane Rehm and how the death of her beloved husband of 54 years, John Rehm, led to her own interest in the option of medical aid in dying. Her late husband’s suffering from Parkinsons’ disease brought him to the point where his quality of life had declined, his prognosis was dim, and he asked to die. As medical aid in dying was not a legal option where he lived, John Rehm chose the only alternative he saw: refusing food and water. It took ten long days for her husband to die, thus beginning Diane Rehm’s journey to make sure she and others will have more choices at the end of life.

The film will interweave the Rehms’ experience with those of other patients and families across the U.S., as well as the views of experts, representing a wide range of perspectives—pro and con— on the issue of medical aid in dying. And it is an issue that is gaining public support and attention. Eight states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical aid in dying, and legislation is proposed in many more. A recent Gallup poll found that 70 percent of people think a doctor should be able to help a patient end their life, if that is what the patient wants.

Joe Fab, whose Emmy-nominated documentary, “Paper Clips” also took on a sensitive subject—the Holocaust---will use his strong narrative and in-depth interviewing skills to tell this important, balanced and timely story. Diane Rehm is an ideal central figure—a trusted, credible and intelligent guide to take viewers through the complex issues that come with end-of-life decisionmaking.

PROJECT TYPE Documentary Feature

DIRECTOR Joe Fab
PRODUCER Joe Fab, Diane Naughton, Diane Rehm