Medical ethics becomes more relevant each and every day. In the latest news, a scientist in China responsible for the largest cloning factory has discussed replicating humans. Chief executive Xu Xiachun told AFP (Agence France-Presse) that the firm does not engage in human cloning due to possible controversial reactions.
Most would agree this would face great opposition if pursued any further. Regardless of animal cloning or genetic adaption, a sense of moral ethics comes into play. According to Rebecca Davis’ article on human replication, Xu considers a time in which one will choose his son’s genetic makeup and maybe one day, be able to have 100% of his genetics from one parent. The world isn’t ready for multiple genetically identical individuals; even twins don’t have the exact same genetic makeup. One would be living in a state of denial if he does not believe issues regarding medical ethics exist in 2015. In that, medical dramas explore ethical controversies in nearly every episode. For those individuals currently binge-watching "Grey"s Anatomy" or "Private Practice" on Netflix, prepare yourselves for spoilers.
Anyone familiar with Shonda Rhimes knows the brilliant producer’s capabilities. She brings tears to the audience quite frequently in "Grey's Anatomy." Whether it's killing off George O’Malley or giving Izzy Stevens cancer. Often fans become frustrated with their favorite characters dying due to a plane crash, a hospital shooting, or surgical complications. Despite our aggravation, we cannot deny her powerful impact on the audience and our undeniable dedication to the show.
Throughout the entire series, Rhimes has touched on issues surrounding homosexuality and ethics. For those who remain committed to a "Grey's" without Patrick Dempsey, you may have noticed the explicit attempts at addressing social issues at hand. "White privilege" has become a frequent topic as Rhimes has decided to provide the audience with a lecture on race. However, anyone can discuss "Grey’s Anatomy" to great length. In the third season, viewers were introduced to the "Grey's" spinoff, "Private Practice."
Rhimes refrains from voicing her own opinion, but as the producer brings up topics of controversial conversation for the viewers. In this case, I’d say she combatted controversial issues. In no particular order, the following list demonstrates instances in which Shonda Rhimes incorporates medical ethics into her characters' everyday lives.
1) Assisted Suicide / Euthanasia: Midway through season two, Pete and Sam’s friend asks to help him die. During the time in which Amelia begins her downward spiral, her friend with Huntington’s diseases asks Amelia to help her with a physician-assisted suicide. Euthanasia differs from assisted suicide, however, issues regarding death become more frequent than not in "Private Practice."
2) Teenage Pregnancy: In season three, Naomi and Sam found out their fifteen-year-old daughter is pregnant with a boy named Dink’s child. Later, she marries Dink and they raise their daughter while she attends college in New York. Other pregnant teenage girls constantly enter the practice and Addison reiterates their options. This directly ties with Rhimes bringing up abortion on more than one occasion.
3) Eugenics: Namoi struggles with Dr. Fife regarding eugenics. As a medical professional, she must deal with her conscious whether she finds genetically designing children morally permissible. In several instances, patients desire certain characteristics for their children. As a fertility specialist, the co-founding partner wrestles with whether eugenics will become a slippery slope for other procedures.
4) Drug Addiction: Initially, viewers think of Amelia Shephard and her addiction to oxide. In season five, Amelia’s fiancé Ryan dies from a drug overdose and she finds out she’s pregnant with an anencephalic son. If this does not have an effect on each and every person, then we must look back on season three when Dell loses his wife Heather in an explosion involving drugs. Every person cried at the sight of Betsy struggling to say goodbye to her mother.
5) Rape: In season four, rape was introduced. A man named Lee rapes Charlotte in her office. Charlotte keeps the incident between her and Addison. Eventually she identifies the man, although this brings up Violet’s rape while in college. If we don’t think Violet has experienced enough pain between her attack and Pete’s death, Shonda added this into the mix.
6) Abortion: Abortion becomes an endless topic of conversation. Naomi states on several occasions that she is pro-life then attempts to coerce her fifteen-year-old daughter into undergoing an abortion. Addison admits to a previous abortion when she conceived a child with Mark Sloan. There are numerous instances where Addison suggests abortion as a means to save a mother’s life, once again bringing a controversial topic up for conversation amongst the doctors and patients.
7) Confidentiality: At the end of season four, the characters decide to shut down Oceanside Wellness following Violet’s book publication. The book details a patient's attack and thus, the patient sues her. This brings the discussion into whether the doctors have the right to talk amongst themselves about patients. They believe they share information with one another for the patient’s benefit.
8) Vaccination: In one episode, a mother chooses not to give two of her sons the measles vaccination when one comes back with the disease because she believes such injection gave her oldest son Autism. Without consent, Cooper vaccinates the son and Rhimes poses the question of whether vaccinations should be mandatory for children.
9) Domestic Abuse: In season five, Violet helps a women in an abusive relationship. On this one, Shonda Rhimes has a clear influence. Violet tells the woman there is no excuse for violence in a relationship. When Violet attempts to protect her new friend, her spouse attacks not only the woman, but Violet as well. In order to reemphasize the harmful effects of domestic violence, Rhimes kills off yet another character in a slightly gruesome manner, never failing to make her point.
10) Adoption: This one does not start off as controversial, though it becomes an open discussion when Violet feels one of the doctors should take Betsy, Dell’s daughter. Similarly, Cooper’s biological son, Mason, begins to call Charlotte ‘Mama.” Lastly, we have Henry’s adoption process and Addison fulfilling a dream of becoming a mother. The producer highlights everyone who loves one another as being part of a family.
As for almost any spinoff, the series does not last long. For a series to air for six years, completing six seasons remains quite an accomplishment. As most squeals fail to compare to the original, most spinoffs become irrelevant when compared to their predecessors.
The American sitcom, "Joey" (the "Friends" spinoff) lasted about a year and a half while "The Show with Vinny" ("Jersey Shore" spinoff) did not make it past first season. I’d expect nothing less from Shonda Rhimes than to create yet another highly rated television show. Times Magazine named Rhimes one of the 100 most influential people in this world it's clearly well deserved.
