  The value of the V_{ud} matrix element of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa (CKM)
matrix can be derived from nuclear superallowed beta decays, neutron decay, and
pion beta decay. We survey current world data for all three. Today, the most
precise value of V_{ud} comes from the nuclear decays; however, the precision
is limited not by experimental error but by the estimated uncertainty in
theoretical corrections. Experimental uncertainty does limit the neutron-decay
result, which, though statistically consistent with the nuclear result, is
approximately a factor of three poorer in precision. The value obtained for
$V_{ud}$ leads to a result that differs at the 98% confidence level from the
unitarity condition for the CKM matrix. We examine the reliability of the small
calculated corrections that have been applied to the data, and assess the
likelihood of even higher quality nuclear data becoming available to confirm or
deny the discrepancy. Some of the required experiments depend upon the
availability of intense radioactive beams. Others are possible today.
