Media Project Milestone
Media Source: Movie
Title: My Sister's Keeper
Year: 2009
Overview:
The movie "My Sister's Keeper," directed by Nick Cassavetes and released in 2009, is available on
multiple streaming platforms or DVD. I chose to use this movie because it explored a thought-
provoking medical dilemma, delving into ethical complexities and the intricate dynamics of
family relationships.
Description:
"My Sister's Keeper" centers on the Fitzgerald family, where the younger daughter, Anna, was
conceived through in vitro fertilization to serve as a genetic match for her older sister, Kate, who
is battling leukemia. Anna's life involves undergoing medical procedures to provide
transplantable organs for her sister. However, the plot takes a turn when Anna, now a teenager,
opts for legal emancipation to gain control over her body and halt the medical interventions. The
film delves into the emotional and moral complexities faced by the family as they navigate their
relationships, make medical decisions, and grapple with the repercussions of Anna's choice. The
storyline raises profound questions about medical ethics, individual autonomy, and the right to
make decisions regarding one's own body.
Dilemma:
The dilemma in "My Sister's Keeper" is a right vs. right situation. On the one hand, there is Kate’s
right to receive life-saving medical treatment from her sister, extending her life. On the other
hand, there is Anna's right to autonomy and authority over her own body. The film explores the
intricate moral and ethical challenges associated with this dilemma, compelling both characters
and audience members to confront the tough choices presented in the narrative.
Further Analysis:
I will delve into the ethical aspects of the medical dilemma, thoroughly examining the viewpoints
of each family member and the wider societal implications. Furthermore, I will scrutinize how
the characters' choices influence their relationships and assess the portrayal of medical ethics in
the media.
