How My Sister's Keeper Highlights Ethical Dilemmas in Medicine

This article explores the ethical dilemmas presented in the film My Sister's Keeper, focusing on the complex issues of medical decision-making, autonomy, and the morality of creating a child as a genetic match for a sick sibling. It examines how the film raises questions about the ethics of genetic engineering, the rights of patients, and the responsibilities of healthcare providers, offering a thought-provoking look at the challenges faced by families and medical professionals in the pursuit of life-saving treatments.

Sep 1, 2024 - 12:40
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How My Sister's Keeper Highlights Ethical Dilemmas in Medicine

My Sister's Keeper, a 2009 film based on Jodi Picoult’s novel of the same name, delves into the heart-wrenching and morally complex world of medical ethics. The story revolves around the Fitzgerald family, particularly Anna, a young girl who was conceived to be a genetic match for her sister Kate, who is suffering from leukemia. As Anna grows older, she begins to question her role as a donor and the continuous medical procedures she undergoes to help keep her sister alive. The film presents a myriad of ethical dilemmas that challenge the characters—and the audience—to consider the complexities of medical decision-making, patient autonomy, and the moral implications of genetic engineering. This article explores how My Sister's Keeper brings these ethical issues to the forefront, offering a powerful narrative that prompts reflection on the responsibilities of families and healthcare providers.

The Ethical Dilemma of Creating a "Savior Sibling"

At the core of My Sister's Keeper is the concept of a "savior sibling"—a child conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) to be a genetic match for an older sibling suffering from a serious medical condition. In the case of Anna Fitzgerald, she was brought into the world specifically to provide life-saving tissue and organ donations to her sister Kate.

1. The Morality of Genetic Engineering

The film raises critical questions about the morality of using genetic engineering to create a child for the purpose of saving another. While the intention behind this practice is often to save a life, it also brings up concerns about the rights and autonomy of the child who is conceived as a "savior."

  • The Ethics of Designer Babies:
    The idea of selecting embryos based on genetic compatibility to produce a "designer baby" touches on broader ethical debates surrounding genetic engineering. While the practice can prevent genetic diseases and save lives, it also raises concerns about the potential for misuse, such as selecting for non-medical traits like appearance or intelligence. The film challenges viewers to consider where the line should be drawn in the use of genetic technology.

  • The Child's Right to Autonomy:
    Anna’s journey in the film highlights the issue of autonomy, particularly the rights of a child who was conceived to serve the medical needs of another. As Anna matures, she begins to assert her autonomy by refusing to undergo further medical procedures, leading to a legal battle over her right to make decisions about her own body. The film explores the tension between the parents' desire to save one child and the ethical obligation to respect the autonomy of the other.

2. The Role of Consent in Medical Decision-Making

A significant ethical issue raised by My Sister's Keeper is the question of informed consent. From a young age, Anna undergoes numerous medical procedures without fully understanding the implications, raising concerns about whether true informed consent is possible for a minor in such circumstances.

  • Parental Authority vs. Child's Consent:
    The film portrays the complex dynamics of parental authority in medical decision-making, especially when it involves a minor. While parents are typically entrusted to make decisions in the best interest of their child, My Sister's Keeper questions whether this holds true when the decisions involve one child's health being prioritized over another's autonomy and well-being.

  • Legal and Ethical Boundaries:
    Anna’s decision to seek legal emancipation to gain control over her medical decisions brings to light the legal and ethical boundaries of parental consent. The film forces viewers to consider how the law should balance the rights of parents with the emerging autonomy of children, particularly in life-and-death situations.

The Right to Die and Quality of Life

Another central theme in My Sister's Keeper is the debate over the right to die, particularly in cases where quality of life is severely compromised. Kate, who has endured years of painful treatments with diminishing returns, expresses a desire to stop treatment and let go, sparking a moral and ethical conflict within her family.

1. The Ethics of Prolonging Life

The film explores the ethical implications of prolonging life at all costs, particularly when the quality of that life is severely diminished. Kate's condition forces her family and healthcare providers to confront difficult questions about the purpose and limits of medical intervention.

  • Balancing Hope with Realism:
    The emotional toll of chronic illness on both the patient and the family is poignantly depicted in the film. My Sister's Keeper illustrates the struggle between maintaining hope for a cure and acknowledging the reality of a terminal condition. The ethical dilemma centers on whether it is more humane to continue aggressive treatment or to allow the patient to die with dignity.

  • Palliative Care and End-of-Life Decisions:
    The film highlights the importance of palliative care and the need for healthcare providers to have honest conversations with patients and their families about end-of-life options. It raises awareness of the ethical considerations involved in respecting a patient’s wishes, even when those wishes involve refusing further treatment.

2. The Role of Healthcare Providers in Ethical Decision-Making

Healthcare providers in My Sister's Keeper are depicted as navigating the fine line between offering medical advice and respecting the autonomy of their patients. The film illustrates the ethical responsibilities of doctors and nurses in ensuring that patients and their families are fully informed and supported in making difficult decisions.

  • Navigating Ethical Conflicts:
    The film portrays the ethical conflicts faced by healthcare providers when the interests of the patient, the family, and medical ethics do not align. Doctors must balance their duty to preserve life with the need to respect a patient's autonomy and quality of life. My Sister's Keeper serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, communication, and ethical reflection in medical practice.

  • The Impact of Ethical Dilemmas on Healthcare Professionals:
    The emotional burden of dealing with ethical dilemmas in medicine is also evident in the film. Healthcare professionals must grapple with the consequences of their recommendations and the impact of their decisions on patients and families, underscoring the importance of ethical training and support for those in the medical field.

Conclusion: The Ethical Complexity of My Sister's Keeper

My Sister's Keeper is more than just a family drama—it is a thought-provoking exploration of the ethical dilemmas that arise in modern medicine. The film challenges viewers to consider the moral implications of genetic engineering, the rights of patients, and the responsibilities of healthcare providers. By bringing these complex issues to the forefront, My Sister's Keeper encourages a deeper understanding of the ethical challenges faced by families and medical professionals in the pursuit of life-saving treatments.

Curated List of Online Resources

For those interested in further exploring the ethical issues highlighted in My Sister's Keeper, the following resources provide valuable information:

  1. The Hastings Center:
    A leading bioethics research institute offering resources on medical ethics, patient autonomy, and end-of-life care. Link to The Hastings Center

  2. National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Bioethics Resources:
    Provides information on ethical issues in medicine, including genetic engineering and patient rights. Link to NIH

  3. American Medical Association (AMA) - Code of Medical Ethics:
    The AMA's guide to ethical decision-making for healthcare providers, including issues related to informed consent and end-of-life care. Link to AMA

  4. Genetics and Society:
    An organization that explores the ethical and social implications of genetic technologies, including the creation of "savior siblings." Link to CGS

  5. Palliative Care and Quality of Life:
    Resources on the importance of palliative care and the ethical considerations in end-of-life decision-making. Link to CAPC

By examining the ethical dilemmas presented in My Sister's Keeper, we gain a deeper understanding of the moral complexities involved in medical decision-making and the profound impact these decisions have on patients, families, and healthcare providers.

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