Incorporate films, TV episodes, podcasts, and other media that include plots or conversations related to ethics and the activity of philosophical inquiry as an in-class activity. By viewing popular media, students understand that philosophical ideas and ethical issues are part of everyday, contemporary life. The suggested film and questions offer an opportunity for reflection on why the textual material matters, which can be used as the basis for discussion or assessment.

This film explores the subject of genetic design. Anna Fitzgerald is a donor baby; she was conceived in order to provide donor material to her very ill sister, Kate, who has leukemia. At 11 years of age, Anna begins rebelling against this fate, and sues her parents for medical emancipation. The film tells the story of Kate's illness and Anna's bid for freedom.

This film sets up many ethical problems very clearly and distinctly. Kate and Anna's mother, Sara Fitzgerald, is committed to saving her daughter at any cost--including Anna. Benefits and costs can be weighed throughout the film and students can practice using consequentialism. Sara treats Anna as a means to an end, and so the deontological viewpoint can be explored in depth. Even the comparatively minor role of the doctor in this case can be explored as an example of virtue ethics in practice. This is a film to know in the practice of health care ethics.