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[Ethical problems in extreme prematurity]
1Centre for Human Bioethics, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.
Insights
It is not always morally required to sustain the life of a premature infant. This patient-centered approach considers the infant
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Neonatal Care
Context:
- The moral obligation to sustain premature infant life.
- Ethical considerations in neonatal intensive care.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the moral imperative of sustaining premature infant life.
- To explore the best interests of premature infants.
Summary:
- Argues against the absolute moral obligation to sustain premature infant life.
- Distinguishes a patient-centered ethical framework from harmful ideologies.
- Addresses treatment considerations when allowing a premature infant to die.
Impact:
- Informs ethical decision-making in neonatal intensive care.
- Promotes nuanced discussions on the value of life and infant welfare.
Abstract:
I examine the question whether it is always morally obligatory to sustain the life of a premature infant and come to the conclusion that this is not the case. Touching on questions concerning the value of life, I argue that it is not always in a premature infant's best interests to have its life sustained. I sharply distinguish my patient-centered perspective from that of the Nazis. Finally, I raise the question of how a premature infant should be treated when the decision has been made to allow it to die.