Independent Lens Season 7 Episode 24 Frozen Angels

Frozen Angels is the 24th episode of the 7th season of the thought-provoking and critically acclaimed series Independent Lens. This particular episode delves into the cutting-edge world of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and the ethical implications that arise from this revolutionary medical technology.

The episode focuses on the story of Dr. Jeff Steinberg, the founder of the Fertility Institutes, who is known for his pioneering work in the field of IVF. Through his practice, Steinberg has helped countless couples struggling with infertility to conceive their own biological children. However, as the episode reveals, the Fertility Institutes is also at the forefront of a controversial and largely unregulated industry known as "designer babies."

"Designer babies" refers to the practice of artificially selecting certain genetic traits for an embryo before it is implanted into a woman's womb. This can include traits such as eye and hair color, height, and even intelligence. The episode shows how this technology can be used to help prevent genetic diseases from being passed down from parent to child, as well as the potential benefits and drawbacks of this type of genetic engineering.

The episode also follows the story of several couples who come to the Fertility Institutes seeking to have a child through IVF. Some of these couples are struggling with infertility, while others are looking to use this technology to select certain genetic traits for their child. Through their experiences and the ethical questions raised, the episode asks viewers to consider what it means to play God with the creation of human life.

Throughout the episode, expert interviews and debate among ethicists, scientists, and religious figures help to shed light on the complex issues surrounding IVF and "designer babies". It is clear that advancements in medical technology have made it possible to do things once thought impossible, but along with that comes the need to consider questions of morality and human responsibility.

The episode ultimately poses the question of whether or not society is ready for this kind of genetic engineering. It is clear from the episode that this is not a simple question, and one that doesn't have a clear-cut answer. Frozen Angels is a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of the cutting-edge field of IVF and the implications it has for human life and society as a whole.