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Bloodlines Bloodlines: Technology Hits Home

This program explores how conflicts at the intersection of science and the courts are defining the ways Americans will deal with the ethical, legal and social dilemmas created by new life technologies. A baby with five "parents," none recognized by the law; a patent application for a half chimp/half human creature; a corporation secretly running genetic tests on its workers - the cases in the film not only are true, they are establishing the precedents that define our future.

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In your opinion, what is the legal definition of a parent?

Do you agree or disagree that same-sex couples should be able to adopt children?

Do you think the creation of "chimeras" (combinations of mammals of different species) is ethical if they don't involve human cells? Does your opinion change if human cells are involved?

If you had a debilitating disease with no effective chemical or medical treatment, would you consider taking part in an experimental trial involving the implantation of animal cells as a possible cure? Why or why not?

Do you think we should fear the future of biotechnology? Why or why not?

Do you think that an employer has the right to hire or not hire someone based on their medical history?

Now that the "biotech genie" is out of the bottle, is there any way to get it back in? Do you think it belongs back in the bottle?

There are always some people who worry that scientific breakthroughs will bring more harm than good. What do you think?

Do you think that privacy laws should be enacted to protect genetic information from being abused?

This program raises the question-are we creating a world that we don't want to inhabit? What's your opinion?

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