HIV Lesson in Grey's Anatomy

There is no question about the fact that television today is bursting with various portrayals of sex, sexual activity, and talk about sex.  Some have argued that this can be a very negative thing for teens and people in general, especially with regard to the fact that inaccurate information may be given out and a distorted picture of sexuality is painted.  While this may be true in some cases, one episode of Grey’s Anatomy proves to be the opposite.

In “Piece of My Heart,” (Season 4, Episode 13), one couple comes into the hospital concerned that the wife may be pregnant.  Later on, one of the doctors, Izzie, reveals to the couple that they are in fact pregnant.  Instead of showing excitement, the woman seems devastated, telling Izzie that she is HIV-positive and must schedule an abortion.  Initially, Izzie doesn’t say anything, but later on gives the woman her opinion and the science behind this dilemma. 

This episode provides a much different view than what is normally portrayed in the media, according to a number of studies.  For example, in Brown’s article “Sex, Sexuality, Sexting and SexEd: Adolescents and the Media,” she says that a little amount of the content “includes any mention or depiction of the possible risks and responsibilities of early, unprotected sexual behavior” (Brown, 2009).  While this show isn’t primarily targeting adolescents, it does provide useful information, that as a 21-year-old, I wouldn’t have known before watching.  Brown also mentions that while some people seek out sexual content, others prefer to avoid or not see it.  What is so smart about incorporating the content and information into a television show like Grey’s is that viewers are learning without really knowing it and while being entertained.  HIV and the details surrounding it is something that is not frequently portrayed on television.  This depiction illustrates a realistic scenario and useful information regarding it. 

While by no means am I arguing that all of Grey’s Anatomy is perfect in its portrayals of sex (as a lot of casual sex is shown), this depiction can benefit viewers in a way that other mediums are unable to.  Collins et al speaks to this saying, “Although sexual content may eventually prove to affect sexual behavior, this study suggests that television can also be a positive force in the sexual education of youth and has the potential to affect a broad cross section of teens.  Television can teach the risks and responsibilities that accompany sexual activity in a way that books, pamphlets, and classroom instruction cannot, by portraying the experiences of sexually active individuals with whom adolescents identify” (Collins, 2003).  Again, by giving viewers a scenario that is relatable and actually realistic, we may take more out of it.  In the same study, Collins examined an episode of Friends, and found that “sexual health information was delivered to a very large teen audience with only a single edu-tainment episode and its effects were lasting” (Collins, 2003).

Not all of Grey’s Anatomy may help in educating people about the risks involved in casual or unprotected sex, but this episode clearly gives its audience members some very useful information.  Because it is presented from an entertainment lens, the lesson’s messages and effects may be longer-lasting, ultimately aiding in sexual health education for people of all ages. 

Citations:

1. Rhimes, S. (Writer). (2008, May 1). Piece of My Heart [Television series episode]. In Grey's Anatomy. Seattle: Disney-ABC Domestic Television.
2. Collins, R. L., Elliott, M. N., Berry, S. H., Kanouse, D. E., & Hunter, S. B. (2003). Entertainment television as a healthy sex educator: The impact of condom-efficacy information in an episode of Friends. Pediatrics, 112(5), 1115-1121. doi: 10.1542/peds.112.5.1115
3. Brown, J. D., Keller, S., & Stern, S. (2009). Sex, sexuality, sexting, and sexed: Adolescents and the media. Prevention Researcher, 16(4), 12-16.