Our Two Most Cherished Rights

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The Right To Life vs. The Liberty to Choose

Reporter Rich Newberg and photographer Tom Vetter present a balanced view of the abortion debate as Buffalo geared-up for another conflict in the streets.

Operation Save America was about to play out less than six months after the assassination of abortion provider Dr. Barnett Slepian. Newberg and Vetter interviewed the major players as well as those on the front lines.

Their presentation includes the agenda for the demonstrations, the impact of Dr. Slepian's murder, and Common Ground, a movement that rejects the tactics of confrontation, in favor of dialogue by opposing forces.

The purpose was to give all sides in the abortion debate a vehicle to air their differences.

Newberg and Vetter also profiled two female activists with opposing viewpoints.

Their passionate commitments give spiritual depth to the issue. "Our Two Most Cherished Rights'' was aired in prime time for a general audience.
 

Producers: Rich Newberg, Tom Vetter, Chris Musial
Executive Producer: Chris Musial
Aired: April 16, 1999
Runs: 28:00

Awards:

New York Emmy Award - Writer: Documentary (Rich Newberg)

New York Emmy Nomination - Social Concerns Programming

New York State Broadcasters Association - Best Documentary

CINE Golden Eagle Award - News Special

Silver Screen Award - U.S. International Film and Video Festival - Societal Concerns

The Communicator Awards - Award of Distinction - Editing (Tom Vetter)