In the landscape of Ramadan series, “Selat Rahim” stands out for its thrilling plot and wonderful cast. It is a gripping drama series that discusses the highly controversial topic of surrogacy. Directed by Tamer Nady and written by Mohamed Hesham Obayia, the duo does an amazing at portraying these topics fairly. It stars Eyad Nassar, who embodies the role of Hussam, Yosra El Lozy, who plays the role of his wife, Layla, and Asmaa Abulyazeid, who plays the role of Hanan.
The Storyline:
The storyline unfolds over 15 captivating episodes that keeps the viewer on the edge of their seats. The series opens up a dialogue about highly controversial issues such as female reproductive rights, drug abuse, infidelity, and the effects of losing a child. Through Hussam’s journey, the viewer is invited to reflect on the definition of family, parental responsibilities and the moral dilemmas of reproductive rights. The series is highlighting how every choice, no matter how seemingly innocuous, can lead to unexpected consequences.
Surrogacy:
“Selat Rahim” offers an authentic look at the complexity of women’s reproductive issues. The series presents complex characters that each brings their own nuance to the story. One of the main topics discussed is surrogacy. Surrogacy is a deeply intricate journey, filled with emotional complexities that extend far beyond the pregnancy and giving birth. In the series, the surrogate, Hanan, is on a rollercoaster of emotions. Her initial decision to carry Hussam’s child was based on her need to escape an abusive ex-husband. She rejects the idea at first but due to her vulnerability, she accepts. Hussam knows this and yet choose to use her disregarding her wellbeing. Hanan is also an underprivileged woman that does not comprehend the depths of the decision that she is making. While she knows that the baby is not hers, she begins to form a bond with her baby.
Abortions:
The series also discusses the moral dilemma surrounding abortions, which is one of the most contentious and deeply personal issues to women around the world. At its core lies the clash between the rights and autonomy of the pregnant individual and the sanctity of potential life. In “Selat Rahim”, Doctor Khaled, portrayed by Mohamed Gomaa, does illegal abortions at his private clinic. In portraying such character, the series proposes a question about legalizing abortion in Egypt. He is not the stereotypical evil doctor that takes advantage of woman and performs these abortions in an unclean environment. He is a well-intentioned doctor that performs abortions to humanitarian cases, to women whose lives will be forever changed if not for these abortions. The series argues that women’s autonomy and right to bodily integrity must take precedence, especially in cases of when the pregnancy poses a threat to their physical or mental health.
Hysterectomy:
With Layla, “Selat Rahim” highlights the story of losing one’s uterus. It portrays the wave of complex and deeply personal feelings. The uterus does not only represent a physical organ but a symbol of femininity, fertility, and the potential for motherhood. The loss can evoke a sense of grief, like dreams of conceiving, carrying, and giving birth to a child. Layla goes through feelings of inadequacy, shame, and loss of identity that takes her down a dark road. She is compounded by societal pressures and expectations surrounding womanhood and reproduction. Layla copes with the emotional aftermath of hysterectomy takes a journey of mourning, self-discovery, and acceptance. When she first learns about Hanan carrying her baby, she goes through jealousy and pain.
