When hearing of the kidney transplant, Kate wants Anna to do something about it. She is sick of fighting cancer, sick of waiting around for relapse, and sick of being a burden to Anna ☺. Anna and Kate decide to hire a lawyer, Campbell Alexander, and file for medical emancipation. Both Kate and Anna are thankful for this choice even though it puts Kate’s life in danger. The case goes to court, and ultimately the judge’s verdict is in her favor. Their parents think that even though Anna should have a choice in what she does with her body, she is obligated to save her sister because that is what a family does. Because the kidney causes great controversy, it plays a major role in the plot and meaning of the story. The kidney symbolizes quality of life versus the sanctity of life: “—but at this point the sanctity of Kate’s existence has become completely intertwined with the quality of Anna’s life” (Picoult 408). Everyone knows that Anna would give Kate her kidney, no questions asked. The judge, Campbell, and Anna just think she should still have the right to make that decision since it is regarding the quality of her life. If Anna gives her sister the kidney, both would have many risks when undergoing surgery. Kate will not have the chance to live without Anna’s kidney, therefore, expunging her sanctity of life. The kidney has the power to do a lot of saving, but whom it saves is up to
When hearing of the kidney transplant, Kate wants Anna to do something about it. She is sick of fighting cancer, sick of waiting around for relapse, and sick of being a burden to Anna ☺. Anna and Kate decide to hire a lawyer, Campbell Alexander, and file for medical emancipation. Both Kate and Anna are thankful for this choice even though it puts Kate’s life in danger. The case goes to court, and ultimately the judge’s verdict is in her favor. Their parents think that even though Anna should have a choice in what she does with her body, she is obligated to save her sister because that is what a family does. Because the kidney causes great controversy, it plays a major role in the plot and meaning of the story. The kidney symbolizes quality of life versus the sanctity of life: “—but at this point the sanctity of Kate’s existence has become completely intertwined with the quality of Anna’s life” (Picoult 408). Everyone knows that Anna would give Kate her kidney, no questions asked. The judge, Campbell, and Anna just think she should still have the right to make that decision since it is regarding the quality of her life. If Anna gives her sister the kidney, both would have many risks when undergoing surgery. Kate will not have the chance to live without Anna’s kidney, therefore, expunging her sanctity of life. The kidney has the power to do a lot of saving, but whom it saves is up to