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Discussions in Bioethics: The Courage of One's Convictions

1985 14 min
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In this short film, a 17-year-old girl refuses medical treatment that will prolong her life due to religious convictions. Her decision remains firm despite the pleas of her physician, who begins to question who has the right to determine a person's life or death. This short film is one of a series of short, open-ended dramas designed to stimulate discussion of values and ethics in relation to modern technology.

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Discussions in Bioethics: The Courage of One's Convictions

Details

In this short film, a 17-year-old girl refuses medical treatment that will prolong her life due to religious convictions. Her decision remains firm despite the pleas of her physician, who begins to question who has the right to determine a person's life or death.

This short film is one of a series of short, open-ended dramas designed to stimulate discussion of values and ethics in relation to modern technology.

Health and Medicine Religion, Beliefs and Ethics All subjects
Indigenous Cinema
  • director
    Gil Cardinal
  • producer
    Wolf Koenig
  • executive producer
    Andy Thomson
  • script
    Kelly Rebar
  • camera
    Zoe Dirse
  • sound
    Richard Besse
  • editing
    Ian Rankin
  • sound editing
    Wojtek Klis
  • re-recording
    Hans Peter Strobl
  • cast
    Susan Bain
    Wendy Dawson
    Gavin Patrick
    Tom Rack
    Doug Smith

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Education

Ages 15 to 17
Study Guide
Guide 1
School subjects
Diversity - Identity Ethics and Religious Culture - Religious Diversity/Heritage
The film explores the clash that can occur between religious beliefs and scientific practices. Can you find other examples of such conflicts? The film can be the jumping-off point for research into different religions and customs that are at odds with scientific practices today. Note that the ending lets students reach their own conclusions. Ask them what they would do if they were the young girl in the film.
Discussions in Bioethics: The Courage of One's Convictions
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