Washington, D.C. — The Center for American Progress and DC/DOX will screen “Life After,” an investigative documentary that exposes the tangled web of moral dilemmas and profit motives surrounding assisted dying on Friday, June 13. The screening will be followed by a conversation with award-winning director Reid Davenport and National Disability Institute’s Director of Public Policy Ly Xīnzhèn Brown, moderated by NPR’s Investigations correspondent Joseph Shapiro.
“Life After” chronicles the story of Elizabeth Bouvia, a disabled, California woman who, in 1983, sought the “right to die,” sparking a national debate about autonomy and the value of disabled lives. After years of courtroom battles, Bouvia vanished from the public eye. Director and Sundance-winner Reid Davenport embarks on a personal investigation to uncover what happened to Bouvia, revealing why her story is disturbingly relevant today.
Through “Life After,” the missing voices of the disability community are brought to light in the ongoing debate about assisted dying, exposing chilling stories of disabled people dying prematurely. Davenport challenges the notion that assisted dying always represents a free choice when, for some, it may feel like the only option.
WHO:
Introductory Remarks:
Mia Ives-Rublee, Senior Director, Disability Justice Initiative at the Center for American Progress
In Conversation:
Reid Davenport, Director “Life After”
Ly Xīnzhèn Brown, National Disability Institute’s Director of Public Policy
Joseph Shapiro “Correspondent, NPR Investigations”
WHEN:
June 13, 2025
6:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
WHERE:
The Center for American Progress
1333 H Street NW, First Floor
Washington, D.C. 20005
Please RSVP by registering at this link.
For more information or to speak to an expert, contact Julia Cusick at [email protected].