Frontline Season 17 Episode 17 Making Babies

In the seventeenth season of the acclaimed documentary series Frontline, episode 17 titled "Making Babies" explores the complex and emotional world of assisted reproductive technology (ART). With interviews and personal stories, the show delves into the challenges, risks, and ethical dilemmas that come with these medical interventions, which have grown dramatically in popularity and accessibility over the past few decades.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to several couples who have turned to ART to conceive, due to conditions such as infertility or genetic disorders. We see them navigating the maze of options, from in vitro fertilization (IVF) to sperm or egg donation to surrogacy, as well as the financial and emotional costs of these choices. One couple, for example, recounts spending over $200,000 and going through multiple miscarriages and failed attempts before finally having a successful pregnancy.

But beyond the personal narratives, "Making Babies" also examines the larger social and ethical implications of ART. One major theme is how the rise of these technologies has challenged traditional notions of family and parenthood. We hear from experts who argue that ART has allowed more diverse family structures to emerge, including same-sex and single-parent families, while others worry about the potential consequences for children's identity and well-being.

Another ethical quandary posed by ART is the issue of "designer babies" - that is, using genetic screening and manipulation to select certain traits or characteristics in embryos. The show explores the pros and cons of such practices, which can range from preventing hereditary diseases to creating a market for "perfect" offspring. Some critics warn of a slippery slope towards eugenics and discrimination, while others see it as a natural extension of reproductive freedom.

"Making Babies" also tackles the regulatory and legal challenges of ART, which vary widely across countries and states. Viewers learn about the varying oversight and enforcement of issues such as informed consent, donor anonymity, and surrogacy contracts. Several interviewees call for more consistent and comprehensive policies to protect both the patients and the offspring of ART.

Throughout the episode, "Making Babies" combines emotional storytelling and rigorous analysis to provide a nuanced and thought-provoking look at one of the most profound developments in modern medicine. The show illustrates the joys and struggles of creating new life through technology, while also grappling with the complex ethical and social implications of such interventions. It challenges audiences to consider what it means to be a parent, a child, and a member of a diverse and rapidly evolving society.