Dutch Reality Show May Feature Live Birth

[nickgutierrez]

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands - The latest Dutch version of the reality show "Big Brother" features a woman who's seven months' pregnant and may give birth live on TV. The government is studying whether using the newborn would violate laws against hiring children.

The show made its season debut Sunday. A spokeswoman for Endemol, creator of the series, said producers hadn't decided exactly what the program will show when the pregnant woman, identified only as "Tanja," goes into labor.

"She may be voted off the program first," spokeswoman Cathelijne Nijssen said.

Nijssen said that in any case, the show would not take medical risks with the baby, and a birth would be presented in "a tasteful manner."

The Dutch Social Affairs Ministry will decide this week whether to grant a work permit allowing the baby — essentially a child actor — to make an appearance on the show.

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http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050829/ap_on_en_tv/tv_reality_birth

And now, the predictibly psuedo-journalistic question: Has reality TV gone too far?

:wow:

[MountainLaurel]

1. Could be useful

As a method for preventing teen pregnancy: Imagine the reaction to what actually happens during childbirth.

[nickgutierrez]

4. I've seen a video of childbirth

It doesn't exactly look fun. There just might be something to be said for this as a prevention technique, though the teen pregnancy rate in the Netherlands is seven times lower than here in the US (http://www.plannedparenthood.org/pp2/portal/files/portal/medicalinfo/teensexualhealth/fact-pregnancy-teens-us.xml).

[LynzM]

2. Nope, I don't think it's too far

Birth is a natural thing, why are we all so afraid of and creeped out by it? It's shown on TV here, as well, just on shows that only deal with pregnancy and birth. But it's a normal part of the life cycle, so I don't see anything wrong with it, if the woman is comfortable with the idea.

[nickgutierrez]

3. I can see your point from the woman's perspective

But from the studio's perspective, it sounds like a cheap ratings-grabbing ploy. They knew she was pregnant when they hired her to be on the show, and there's little doubt in my mind that they were sort of planning for this to happen on TV.

[progmom]

8. you should see Dutch TV....

I doubt this will shock anyone over there. ;)

[nickgutierrez]

11. Going from what little I know of Dutch society...

...I think you're right. :)

I've heard it takes quite a bit to raise a fuss.

[LynzM]

10. True, sure

But it's also her body and her choice, to borrow a catchphrase. I can't say I'd do it, but the show couldn't be made if she walked away from it, knowing how far they'd go.

[progmom]

7. I am with you 100%

:thumbsup:

[deadparrot]

5. I think Mom's gonna regret her decision to be on the show...

:shrug:

It seems the last thing you'd want while giving birth is a camera crew in your face.

[miss_kitty]

6. no thank you

:puke:

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

9. I think she should call him Truman if it's a boy. (nt)