Ep 4. Lines in the Sand & Outsourcing Embryos

In season 3 episode 4 of the popular news documentary series Vice, titled "Lines in the Sand & Outsourcing Embryos," viewers are taken on a journey to explore two controversial issues: the ongoing conflict in Syria and the ethical dilemma surrounding international surrogacy.

The first segment of the episode focuses on the war in Syria, particularly the devastating effects it has had on civilians caught in the crossfire. Vice correspondent Isobel Yeung travels to Aleppo, a city that has seen some of the most intense fighting, to speak with those impacted by the conflict. Yeung meets with doctors struggling to provide medical care amid bombing raids and shortages of resources, as well as families who have been forced to flee their homes and live in cramped, makeshift shelters. The segment also explores the role of foreign actors like Russia and the United States in prolonging the conflict and the complex political and military alliances at play.

The second segment of the episode delves into the world of international surrogacy, a booming industry that has become a controversial ethical issue in recent years. Correspondent Gianna Toboni travels to India, where surrogacy has become a major part of the country's economy and where foreign couples come to find affordable surrogates. However, the practice has raised questions about exploitation and human rights, with critics arguing that surrogates are often treated as little more than commodities and are subject to poor working conditions and little legal protection. Toboni interviews surrogates, fertility clinics, and activists on both sides of the issue to provide a nuanced exploration of the complex ethical, legal, and economic dimensions of surrogacy.

Through compelling footage, expert interviews, and in-depth reporting, "Lines in the Sand & Outsourcing Embryos" offers a powerful and thought-provoking look at two of the most pressing issues of our time. As with all episodes of Vice, this one is sure to spark conversation and inspire viewers to further explore the issues it raises.