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Discussions in Bioethics

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This video compilation of eight short dramas, dealing with contemporary ethical dilemmas, are intended as discussion starters. Titles include: Who Should Decide?: When Joanne, who has spina bifida, discovers that her unborn child has the same disease, a decision about whether to terminate the pregnancy must be reached quickly (14 min. 8 sec.). A Chronic Problem: Jean has multiple sclerosis and is almost completely paralyzed. When a patient in need of an operation arrives at the hospital, it becomes apparent that chronic patients have little priority in the right to quality care (12 min. 3 sec.). Family Tree: The issue of compulsory sterilization is addressed when a child-beater and single mother of three is admitted to hospital in need of abdominal surgery and the surgeon is tempted to perform an unauthorized tubal ligation (14 min. 18 sec.). The Courage of One's Convictions: A physician questions who has the right to determine life or death when, because of her religious convictions, a seventeen-year-old girl refuses medical treatment that will prolong her life (14 min. 18 sec.). Critical Choice: The cost of high-risk organ transplants and the allocation of scarce medical resources is considered when a child with a 40% chance of survival is in need of a liver transplant (12 min. 32 sec.). The Old Person's Friend: Should an elderly woman with a history of strokes be allowed to die as she wishes or should everything possible be done to preserve life (12 min. 45 sec.)? If You Want a Girl Like Me: A look at questions surrounding life-prolonging treatment for disabled newborns (12 min. 43 sec.). Happy Birthday: A young couple's marriage is threatened over a decision as to whether the husband should accept a job researching poison gas for military purposes (12 min. 50 sec.).

1986, 106 min 16 s