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Against Their Will : Lost Patients Across the U.S., efforts are underway to make it easier to involuntarily commit people to psychiatric hospitals. It's a reaction to the sight of seriously mentally ill people on the streets and the cries of families who say it's too hard to get a loved one help when they're in crisis. But this gets at one of the most delicate questions our society has faced: When does our belief about what's best for someone override someone's right to decide for themselves?

Lost Patients

Against Their Will

season 1, episode 2

Against Their Will

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Across the U.S., efforts are underway to make it easier to involuntarily commit people to psychiatric hospitals. It's a reaction to the sight of seriously mentally ill people on the streets and the cries of families who say it's too hard to get a loved one help when they're in crisis. But this gets at one of the most delicate questions our society has faced: When does our belief about what's best for someone override someone's right to decide for themselves?

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Kathleen and Michael are portrayed on Friday, March 8, 2024, at their home in Seattle. KUOW Photo/Megan Farmer Megan Farmer/KUOW Photo hide caption

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Megan Farmer/KUOW Photo

Kathleen and Michael are portrayed on Friday, March 8, 2024, at their home in Seattle. KUOW Photo/Megan Farmer

Megan Farmer/KUOW Photo