Watch the Movie "My Sisters Keepers" and do a Film Review by discussing the following:

1. What is/ are the bioethical issues in the film?

Several bioethical issues are surfaced throughout the whole film, from the ethics
of genetic engineering such as savior babies which are described as infants
born to have HLA compatible sections of the body, usually umbilical cord blood to
be used for bone marrow transplantation to preserve their older sibling’s
existence. The notion of producing an embryo by engineering violates the natural
order. The sole reason Anna was born was so she could endure treatments like
organ and bone marrow transplants and help save her sister. As long as Kate
was saved, Anna's parents did not seem to value risking her life. The film
contained many instances of disregard for consent, because during the trial,
Anna’s lawyer made a point of how Anna was never consulted before each
procedure. Informed consent is an important process that a patient must do
before any procedure can take place. There were other ethical issues presented
in the movie such as, is a child capable of deciding on their own when it comes
to medical problems? And is jeopardizing the life of a child to save another child
ethical?
Although it is apparent that Sara and Brian would do anything for their kid, the
question is if this justifies the sacrifice they expect of Anna. Sara thought Anna
was too young to comprehend the situation nevertheless make her own
decisions so she refused to let Anna decide. As you can see, the principle of
autonomy was breached since both children had difficulty making health-related
decisions, especially Anna because she was never given a choice when it came
to her body. Whether Anna and Kate were children or adults, they had the right to
self-determination and the ability to make decisions about their own lives. The
ethical principle non-maleficence was neglected since the obligation to do no
harm was ignored because Anna was harmed for the sake of her sister. By
putting Anna at risk for complications, inflicting pain, and creating potentially
dangerous situations, the medical staff violated the concept of doing no harm.
Towards the end of the film, Anna receives justice after putting up a fight against
her mother Sara. She had to go through numerous trials before any decision can
be made. Later on, it came to light that Kate did not want to undergo any more
surgery and was prepared to pass away peacefully. Respecting Kate's decision
and letting Anna keep her organs was only fair.
2. How do the characters/ scenes in the film resolve the bioethical issues?
 They were resolved during trial. The film depicts Anna's parents as frantic to
salvage their daughter Kate while also conflicted about the ethics of utilizing
Anna as a donor. Anna looks to earn medical emancipation from her parents who
until now have relied on their youngest child to help their leukemia-stricken
daughter Kate remain alive. So, she sues her parents, claiming that she has the
right to choose which medical operations she takes. The court grants Anna's
motion, and she is free to make her own decision about donating a kidney to
Kate. The film delves into the conflict between child and parental autonomy.
Anna's parents believe they have the authority to make medical decisions for her
because she is a juvenile and they are her legal guardians. However, Anna
contends that she should have the right to make decisions regarding her own
body, and the court agrees.

3. Is the decision or resolutions to resolve bioethical issues in the film correct?

Why? Explain
 Whether the decision made in the film was correct or incorrect is subjective and
can be influenced by personal ideas and ideals. It is up to the audience to create
their own thoughts and viewpoints on the ethical issues addressed in the film.
However, it’s my firm belief that respecting one's wishes to pass away peacefully
at the expense of saving the other will always be correct. Kate may live if Anna
gave her life for her, but knowing what her sister went through it will just leave
emotional scars, why put her through that knowing she would be traumatized for
life? And Anna has the right to live and make her own decision, if it weren’t for
the lawsuit, the ethical concerns surrounding the family's situation would have
remained unresolved.