A Matter of Life and Death: Preview
Preview: Season 2026 | 30sVideo has Closed Captions
Watch the preview for BREAKING THE DEADLOCK: A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH
What does “freedom” mean—and what is the role of government—when people face life-and-death choices? Moderator Aaron Tang and a panel of experts with divergent views take on a hypothetical scenario that raises questions about reproductive rights and the right to die. BREAKING THE DEADLOCK: A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH, encourages dialogue, and the possibility of common ground. Watch the preview.
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Funding for this program was provided in part by grants from The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation and by a grant from Anne Ray Foundation and by contributions from viewers like you. Thank you. Location furnished by The New York Historical.
A Matter of Life and Death: Preview
Preview: Season 2026 | 30sVideo has Closed Captions
What does “freedom” mean—and what is the role of government—when people face life-and-death choices? Moderator Aaron Tang and a panel of experts with divergent views take on a hypothetical scenario that raises questions about reproductive rights and the right to die. BREAKING THE DEADLOCK: A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH, encourages dialogue, and the possibility of common ground. Watch the preview.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
How to Watch Breaking the Deadlock
Breaking the Deadlock is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship(suspenseful music) - This is a story that's gonna lead to some hard questions.
(suspenseful music continues) - I think every pregnancy is perfect.
- Is it perfect if a woman dies?
- Her body, her choice.
Now it's your daughter.
You don't want her to have the choice?
- I'm not comfortable with this.
- Would you try to go after her, prosecution, jail time, fines?
- I'll go to jail.
- There's no turning back.
(suspenseful music)
When Pregnancy Turns Perilous: Inside the Toughest Pregnancy Decisions
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Clip: S2026 | 4m 30s | A personal story ignites a vital debate: when pregnancy turns perilous, who gets to decide? (4m 30s)
The Ultimate Question: Who Counts — and Who Decides
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Clip: S2026 | 3m 38s | Freedom debated: Is it lawless, God-given, or state-protected? Who counts—and who decides? (3m 38s)
Should You Help End a Life? A Father’s Final Request
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Clip: S2026 | 5m 45s | A father wants control over his death. His sons must decide: help him, or stop him? (5m 45s)
Now PlayingA Matter of Life and Death: Preview
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Preview: S2026 | 30s | Watch the preview for BREAKING THE DEADLOCK: A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH (30s)
A Matter of Life and Death: Episode Open
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Preview: S2026 | 1m 5s | Watch the open for BREAKING THE DEADLOCK: A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH. (1m 5s)
Law vs. Life: The Abortion Debate Gets Personal
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Clip: S2026 | 4m 12s | A rare pregnancy crisis sparks debate on law, life, and choice—plus one panelist’s real ordeal. (4m 12s)
Abortion Pills at Home: Privacy vs. Parental Rights
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Clip: S2026 | 5m 36s | Parents find abortion pills in their teen’s room. Watch the clip to see the debate that ensues! (5m 36s)
Abortion Across State Lines: A Parent’s Dilemma
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Clip: S2026 | 3m 51s | Would you break the law to help your teen’s pregnant friend get an abortion? (3m 51s)
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Funding for this program was provided in part by grants from The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation and by a grant from Anne Ray Foundation and by contributions from viewers like you. Thank you. Location furnished by The New York Historical.