Baby God

Baby God, a thought-provoking 2020 documentary that brings to light a dark chapter in reproductive science, is directed by Hannah Olson. This disturbing, mind-shaking film unveils the controversial legacy and complicated aftermath of a respected obstetrician-gynecologist and fertility specialist, Dr. Quincy Fortier who, for all intents and purposes, stamped his own version of creation. The film features notable individuals, including Wendi Babst, Brad Gulko, and several other individuals whose lives are intertwined in seemingly unimaginable ways.

Baby God is pioneering in its subject matter, delving into the deceptively complex world of medical ethics, personal identity, and the continuing conflict between science and morality. The movie explores the repelling yet oddly fascinating story of Dr. Fortier, a celebrated physician specializing in fertility treatments, who was later revealed to have committed unspeakable acts in the name of scientific progress and personal obsession.

Dr. Fortier, who worked mainly in Las Vegas, Nevada, utilized his pioneering work in the fields of obstetrics and gynecology to covertly further his idiosyncratic, vainglorious ambitions. Though initially renowned for his work and respected as a practitioner, the dark cloud overshadowing his professional life gradually unraveled with shocking consequences.

Wendi Babst, a beloved retired police detective, unwittingly unravels the shocking mystery of her genetic identity, opening a Pandora's box that leads her to discovered many half-siblings, all unwittingly fathered by the same man, Dr. Quincy Fortier. Wendi's journey of self-discovery and search for answers is the emotional thread running throughout the film.

Brad Gulko, a genome researcher and another offspring of Dr. Fortier, also plays a key role in the film. He lends his scientific expertise to the saga, providing much-needed perspective and understanding. His exploration into his genetic history not only uncovers unsettling revelations about his biological father but also forces him to question his understanding of blood ties, genetic legacy, and identity.

Replete with testimonies from a mix of people – all children of Dr. Fortier - the movie stands out as a sobering mirror to the current world's obsession with technological advancement at any cost. It raises poignant questions. What are the ethics surrounding fertility treatment procedures, especially those that took place before regulations were put in place? How much power should doctors have when it comes to creating life? And ultimately, what does it mean to learn that your existence is rooted in deception?

The film is skillful in portraying personal stories against a backdrop of larger systemic issues in the field of reproductive medicine. These narratives are sometimes heartwrenching, sometimes disturbing, but always thought-provoking and engaging, leaving lasting impressions long after the film has ended.

Baby God is a rollercoaster journey of trust, manipulation, betrayal, and the quest for identity. While offering a disturbing look into the unchecked power in the hands of one reckless doctor, it provides a timely and uncanny statement on bioethics and medical malpractices in the history of fertility treatments.

It's a story that stirs our compassion for those who unwittingly find themselves pawns to one man's narcistic game, leaving them with an unwanted legacy and a thirst for answers and justice that never fully quench. Above all, it emphasizes humanity's promise – and perils – in the realm of science and technology, especially when left in the unchecked hands of those who seek to manipulate these for ulterior motives.

Hannah Olson’s directorial debut is not just a regular documentary; Baby God is a bold commentary on medical ethics, a study of identity, and a compelling portrait of victims turned survivors. It's an intimate narrative of trauma and resilience, wrapped in a stark critique of the exploitation that can occur at the confluence of science and power. Even as it unpacks a complex narrative spanning decades, Baby God, at its core, is a tale about humanity's undying quest for knowledge and the ethical boundaries that are crossed in pursuit of progress.