Gattaca Page #7

NURSE:

(misinterpreting the problem)

I told you, the government pays. It's all

taken care of.

MARIA:

No, you don't understand. I can't.

The nurse places a comforting hand on Maria's shoulder.

NURSE:

(reassuring)

The doctor will give you something.

MARIA:

(removing the hand, adamant)

I'm not doing it.

NURSE:

(trying to make her see reason)

Honey, you've made one mistake--

The remark stings Maria.

NURSE:

(softening her tone)

--I've read your profile. I don't

know about the father but you carry

enough hereditary factors on your own.

(pause)

You can have other children.

MARIA:

(holding her swollen stomach protectively)

Not like this one.

NURSE:

(trying to be diplomatic)

Honey, look around you. The world doesn't

want one like that one.

Maria gets off the table and reaches for her clothes laying

across a chair.

MARIA:

(irate)

You don't know what it will be!

The nurse watches Maria as she dresses, genuinely bewildered.

NURSE:

(calling out to Maria as she disappears

out of the door)

The child won't thank you!

INT. DELIVERY ROOM. DAY.

We focus on a crucifix dangling on a rosary. Tilting up we find

the rosary clasped between MARIA and ANTONIO's intertwined

hands.

JEROME (VO)

Those were early days--days when a priest

could still persuade someone to put their

faith in God's hands rather than those of

the local geneticist.

Bathed in sweat, Maria gives a final push on the delivery table.

While still attached to his umbilical cord, the heel of the

NEWBORN BABY BOY is immediately pricked by a masked NURSE. A

minute drop of blood is inserted into an analyzing machine.

Even as the baby is put into Maria's arms, page after page of

data begins to appear on a monitor, pulsing warning signals

throughout the spreadsheets.

Two assisting NURSES exchange a look. Antonio senses something

amiss.

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