Ep 14. Right to Life

In Chicago Hope season 2 episode 14, titled "Right to Life," the doctors and staff at Chicago Hope hospital are faced with a difficult ethical dilemma when a pregnant woman, Mrs. Simmons, is admitted after a car accident. Mrs. Simmons is in critical condition and requires emergency surgery, but there is a possibility that the surgery will harm or even kill the unborn child.

Dr. Watters, the head of surgery, is opposed to performing the surgery as he believes that the life of the mother should take priority over the life of the fetus. However, Dr. Hancock, a pro-life obstetrician at the hospital, insists that the hospital has a duty to save the life of both the mother and the fetus.

The situation is further complicated when a group of pro-life protesters gather outside the hospital, chanting and holding signs. The hospital's administrator, Philip Weyland, is concerned that the protest could harm the hospital's reputation and orders the doctors to do whatever it takes to save the fetus.

Meanwhile, Dr. McNeil is dealing with his own personal ethical dilemma when he discovers that his elderly patient, Mr. Lasser, has been living with a painful spinal condition for years. Mr. Lasser is a religious man who believes in the sanctity of life and has refused all treatment, including pain medication, in order to prolong his life. Dr. McNeil is torn between respecting Mr. Lasser's wishes and providing him with relief from his suffering.

As the doctors at Chicago Hope navigate these challenging ethical dilemmas, tensions run high and relationships are put to the test. Will they be able to come to a resolution that satisfies everyone, or will the situation lead to disastrous consequences?

"Right to Life" is a thought-provoking episode that explores the complex issues surrounding the right to life and the difficult choices that physicians must sometimes make. With excellent performances from the cast and a gripping storyline, this episode is sure to leave viewers thinking long after the credits roll.