“MY SISTER’S KEEPER”

INTRODUCTION:
Montejo: The couple Brian Fitzgerald and Sara Fitzgerald has their life change when their
daughter Kate Fitzgerald is diagnosed with leukaemia which is a life-threatening illness. Sara
Fitzgerald wouldn’t let Kate Fitzgerald die, in desperate attempt to save their daughter Kate life
they conceive another child named Anna Fitzgerald.
Cezar: Anna is a genetically engineered to be a perfect match for her sister. Her sole purpose is
to provide Kate Fitzgerald with compatible organs and tissues for transplantation. At the age of
13 Anna Fitzgerald questions her role as a donor to Kate Fitzgerald and seeks legal
emancipation from her mother. Our case is about Anna Fitzgerald who sues her own mother in
order to obtain legal rights to the use of her own body.
STATEMENTS:
Balo: A parent’s love for their child is immeasurable, and when they face a devastating reality
of their child dying, the instinct of a parent to do anything in order to save their child becomes
strong. A parents will do whatever it takes to save their child’s life.
Boholst:
We stand on the quote "your body your choice"
Every child has a right on their own body, no matter what the situation is. Parents should guide
their children but never decide for them, for a child is already capable of choosing what they
want. Forcing an individual to do something where they are not comfortable may lead to
serious problems.
Lagra: When someone is terminally-ill especially if it’s someone you love, wouldn’t you help
for them to get better. As someone who is capable of helping it’s your duty to extend a helping
hand. When we have the mean or ability to make a difference in someone’s life, it is our
responsibility to extent a helping hand.
Vinson: The feelings of guilt or responsibility for potentially leaving her sister without a donor
is complex. It is natural to consider the impact of her decision on her sister's life, but it is
equally important to respect Anna's right to make choices that align with her own well-being
and sense of self.
Miñoza: The love of a parent for their child can lead them to make difficult decisions, believing
that they are doing what’s best for their family. The decision to conceive a child as a donor may
have ethical concerns, but it is important to see and recognize the emotional turmoil and
anguish that the parents experience when they faced the potential loss of their child.
Escalante: The well-being of Anna Fitzgerald has been overshadowed by the urgency to save
her sister life. It is important to acknowledge the health effects if she continues to donate,
continuing to donate will risk her own health. Risking the health of a completely healthy child
in order to save a child who has incurable disease, doesn’t make any sense.
REBUTTAL:
Gomez & Poncardas:
 Your honor, my deepest disagreement to the statement of the opposing part. Sara
Fitzgerald the mother of Anna, faces a complex moral and legal dilemma regarding her
decision to conceive Anna as a genetic match to her older sister, Kate, who is battling
leukemia. While some may criticize Sara's actions, it's essential to consider the context
and underlying motivations that drove her choices.

 My first point of argument we should understand is the parental love and sacrifice a
parents can do is to be considered, Sara's decision to conceive Anna as a "designer baby"
was rooted in her deep love for her daughters and her desire to save Kate's life. Parental
love often involves making difficult decisions to protect and care for one's children, even
if those decisions are controversial or morally uncertain,

 Next argument is about medical necessity, Sara's actions were driven by the urgent need
to find a compatible bone marrow donor for Kate to save her life. In cases of medical
necessity, parents may feel obliged to explore all available options, including
unconventional ones, to ensure the health and well-being of their children.

 I can include that there was a Legal Consent in the process of doing the medical
emancipation, both Sara and her husband Brian provide informed consent for the medical
procedures involving Anna, including bone marrow donations and surgeries. While Anna
later seeks legal emancipation to gain control over her own body, it's crucial to
acknowledge that Sara acted within the bounds of the law and with Anna's best interests
in mind at the time of her decisions.

 Also, the Medical Ethics, the concept of medical ethics involves weighing the potential
benefits and risks of medical interventions, especially in cases where multiple lives are at
stake. Sara's actions may be seen as a reflection of her ethical obligation as a parent to do
everything in her power to save Kate's life, even if it means making difficult and
controversial choices.

 While some may criticize Sara's decisions in her daughter, it's essential to recognize the
complexities of parental love and the moral gray areas that arise in situations of medical
necessity. Sara's actions were driven by her unwavering commitment to her daughters'
well-being, making her a sympathetic character facing an agonizing dilemma.
Sources:
- Picoult, Jodi. "My Sister's Keeper." Atria/Emily Bestler Books, 2004.
- "Ethical Issues in My Sister's Keeper." American Medical Association Journal of Ethics, vol.
13, no. 6, 2011, pp. 390-393.
Amper & Amor: