Many of you know I’ve got a series on PBS called Breaking the Deadlock. On PBS last night, our first new episode for 2026 titled “A Matter of Life and Death” had a very moving story. Brittany Packnett Cunningham, a social justice activist and writer, shared her powerful struggle with the birth of her first child. It got an extraordinary response on her social media–over 200k views. Take a look.
This installment explores what “freedom” means—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. Learn more about it and watch the full episode on PBS.
— Andy Lack