Bioethics film series looks at organ transplantation
<p> Should someone be allowed to sell a kidney to a stranger who needs a transplant? Who should be allowed to decide who gets available hearts, kidneys, lungs, hands – and even faces?</p><separator></separator><p> These questions and others will be discussed during the annual fall Bioethics Film Series at Arizona State University.</p><separator></separator><p> In his class – "Bioethics in Film" – Jason Robert, the Franca Oreffice Dean's Distinguished Professor in the Life Sciences and the Lincoln Associate Professor of Ethics in Biotechnology and Medicine, shows films – to which the public is invited – and then holds discussions following the films.</p><separator></separator><p> This year’s fall series is titled “Organ Transplantation.” All films will begin at 5:40 p.m., in Schwada Classroom Office Building room 150, Tempe campus.</p><separator></separator><p> The schedule is:</p><separator></separator><p> <strong>Thursday, Sept. 16:</strong> “The Harvest Project,” a psychological thriller set in the world of the black market human organ trade. “The Harvest Project” asks the question: What would you do to save the life of someone you love? This is a story about the consequences of desperate actions, of blind greed, and of startling sacrifice (Internet Movie Dabatase, IMDb). MPAA Rating: NR.</p><separator></separator><p> <strong>Thursday, Oct. 7:</strong> “Seven Pounds.” An IRS agent with a fateful secret embarks on an extraordinary journey of redemption by forever changing the lives of seven strangers (IMDb). MPAA Rating: PG-13.</p><separator></separator><p> <strong>Thursday, Oct. 28:</strong> “A Christmas Tale.” The Vuillard family is no stranger to physical/mental illness, loss, and banishment. But when the matriarch becomes in need of a transplant, the whole family is forced to come together, emotional baggage and all, just in time for Christmas (IMDb). MPAA Rating: NR.</p><separator></separator><p> <strong>Thursday, Nov. 18:</strong> “My Sister’s Keeper.” Anna Fitzgerald looks to earn medical emancipation from her parents who until now have relied on their youngest child to help their leukemia-stricken daughter remain alive (IMDb). MPAA Rating: PG-13.</p><separator></separator><p> The series is presented by the Bioethics, Policy & Law Program, in association with the Center for Biology and Society.</p><separator></separator><p> For more information about the class, contact Robert at (480) 727-8857 or <a href="mailto:Jason.Robert@asu.edu">Jason.Robert@asu.edu</a>.</p>