WHO:    The Health Law Institute at DePaul University College of Law

WHAT:  Will screen  “In the Family,” a documentary produced by Kartemquin Education Films that explores the sensitive topic of predictive genetic testing by taking viewers on the intensely personal journey of the filmmaker, Joanna Rudnick, as she faces the impossible decision of whether to remove her breasts and ovaries or risk incredible odds of developing cancer.  Armed with the genetic test result that leaves her vulnerable and confused, Rudnick balances her dreams of having her own children with the unnerving reality that she is risking her life by holding on to her fertility. The documentary boldly asks the question:  How much do you sacrifice to survive? 

The film screening will be followed by a panel discussion. Among the panelists will be:  Joanna Rudnick, the film’s director and subject; Kayhan Parsi, an associate professor of bioethics and  health policy at the Neiswanger Institute for Bioethics and Health Policy, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine;  Dania D'Achille, a genetic counselor at Children’s Memorial hospital; and Nanette Elster, director of DePaul’s Health Law Institute

“In the Family” is scheduled to air Oct 1 in Chicago on PBS Television.

WHEN:     Sept. 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.  The event is free and open to the public.  Contact Rhea Alexis-Banks at 312/362-727 or rbanks2@depaul.edu for reservations.

BACKGROUND:  Created in 1984, the Health Law Institute at DePaul is the first ABA-accredited program of its kind in the nation and is consistently ranked among the best  in the nation by U.S.News & World Report.  The institute responds to contemporary ethical, legal and moral challenges in health care by employing systematic, innovative approaches which influence policy reform.  In addition to its policy reform and advocacy work, the institute provides DePaul law students with an extensive curriculum in health care regulation, policy and ethics.