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Lesson Plan: IVF, the Film Joy, and Its Significance in the 2024 U.S. Election

Ann S. Michaelsen

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

  1. Understand the scientific principles behind IVF and its historical development.
  2. Critically evaluate the representation of IVF in the Netflix film Joy.
  3. Examine how reproductive technologies intersect with political and ethical debates, particularly during the 2024 U.S. election.
  4. Reflect on the ethical, economic, and social dimensions of IVF in the context of modern society.

Materials

Lesson Activities

Introduction to IVF and Its Cultural Context

  1. Lecture: The Science and History of IVF 
    • Explain the biological process of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and its historical development since the first successful IVF birth in 1978.
    • Discuss how IVF has evolved over time, including advancements in technology, ethical debates, and accessibility issues.
  2. Discussion: Societal Impact of IVF 
    • Use examples from the USA Today article to discuss economic and social barriers to accessing IVF in the U.S.
    • Discuss how these barriers create inequalities in reproductive healthcare.
      • Assign students to read The Guardian review of Joy and the USA Today article on IVF costs and election debates.

Film Screening and Analysis

  1. Film Screening: Joy 
    • Show the film or selected clips that highlight key moments, such as the personal and societal challenges associated with IVF and the relationships of the key characters.
  2. Film Analysis Discussion 
    • Handout prompts for discussion:
      • How does the film depict the emotional and ethical challenges of IVF?
      • Are the scientific and medical aspects accurately portrayed?
      • How does the film address societal attitudes toward infertility and assisted reproduction?
  3. Reflection Essay
    • Ask students to write a short essay addressing how the film deepened their understanding of IVF and its societal impact.

 IVF in the Political Landscape

  1. Class Discussion: The 2024 U.S. Election and IVF (30 minutes)
    • Using the USA Today article, analyze the significance of IVF as a campaign issue in the 2024 election.
    • Discussion prompts:
      • How are candidates addressing healthcare access, including IVF?
      • Why is this issue important to voters?
      • How do economic and ethical factors play into the debate?
  2. Debate: Ethics and Policy 
    • Organize a class debate on whether IVF should be publicly funded and universally accessible.
    • Assign roles (e.g., policymakers, medical professionals, patients) for students to argue their perspectives.

 Broader Connections and Final Reflection

  1. Group Activity: Reproductive Technology Around the World 
    • Students research and present on how IVF is funded, regulated, and accessed in other countries.
    • Compare these approaches to the current situation in the U.S.
  2. Reflection Discussion 
    • What does the story of IVF reveal about the intersection of science, ethics, and politics?
    • How might debates around IVF reflect broader societal values and priorities?

Assessment

Extensions

  1. Science Extension: Explore recent advancements in IVF, such as gene editing and embryo freezing.
  2. Ethics Extension: Write a persuasive essay on whether IVF should be considered a human right.
  3. Political Science Extension: Examine other healthcare issues in the 2024 election and compare their significance to the IVF debate.
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