Premieres Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 at 9 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream with KPBS+
What does “freedom” mean - and what is the role of government - when people face life and death choices? As with many other complex issues, Americans are divided in their views regarding the limits of personal autonomy.
In this hour long special, moderator Aaron Tang and a panel of experts with very different views, take on a hypothetical scenario that raises questions about reproductive rights, as well as our right to die at a time of our choosing. BREAKING THE DEADLOCK "A Matter of Life and Death," encourages dialogue, and the possibility of common ground.
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Watch More Episodes:
BREAKING the DEADLOCK: Truth Under Fire + BREAKING the DEADLOCK: A Power Play
Panelists:
Dr. Jen Gunter - San Francisco Bay Area OB/GYN and author
Scott Jennings - CNN Senior Political Contributor
Molly Jong-Fast - NYT Bestselling Author, Political Commentator, and Cultural Critic
Roger Severino - VP Domestic Policy, The Heritage Foundation
Michele Bratcher Goodwin - Faculty Director, O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law
Steve Bullock - Former Governor of Montana
Brittany Packnett Cunningham - Impact Strategist and Founder, Love & Power Works
Matthew Wynia, MD, MPH/MSPH - Professor, Medicine-Internal Medicine
Andrea Picciotti-Bayer - Director, The Conscience Project
About The Series: BREAKING the DEADLOCK is an Emmy Award®-nominated, groundbreaking public affairs series designed to encourage civil dialogue today, when public conversation is so polarized. The series brings together a varied panel of prominent voices from political, cultural, and legal arenas to explore ethical dilemmas drawn from real life. It’s a fast-paced one-hour journey where series moderator Aaron Tang, author and Professor of Law, UC Davis, guides panelists through complex, hypothetical scenarios.
