Film on Euthanasia-A True Story

Listed on the same program with technical lectures on various topics in medicine and biology, Alejandro Amenábar's "The Sea Inside" found screening time in the program of the Middle East Medical Convention (MEMA). Though not a scientific movie, this moving dramatization of Ramon Sampedro's life depicts the many ethical issues and varying viewpoints on the topic of euthanasia. The film served as a powerful way of approaching some important ethical issues in the medical field and provided a springboard for discussions on related topics.

Ramon Sampedro became a quadriplegic at the age of 26. Using his still very active mind, he began to fight for what he believed would bring him freedom and peace: his death. It was Sampedro's belief that life is a right and not an obligation, and that the individual should be allowed to exercise one's right to live or die. He fought extensive legal battles over the many questions that such a controversial topic inevitably involves. He also spoke out through his writings. Both his legal and literary efforts are depicted in the film, as are the different reactions of his friends and family.

"The Sea Inside" makes it clear that the right to die is not a quitter's way out. Sampedro was an activist, even while trapped in an inactive body. MEMA participants became actively engaging in discussion over the issue. In a question and answer session following the screening, members of the audience were asked to fill out a survey indicating how their knowledge or opinion towards euthanasia had changed because of the film.