Suffer the little children: the ancient practice of infanticide as a modern moral dilemma

Inherent in nursing practice is respect for human life. Traditionally, this respect has been guided by the sanctity-of-life principle as embraced by the Jewish and Christian faiths. However, there appears to be a shift in philosophical thought regarding the inviolability of human life in medical and nursing practice. The very notion of what constitutes human life is the subject of vigorous debate, both within and outside the hospital-institutional setting. The topic of infanticide is examined from traditional Jewish and Christian perspectives and contrasted with current philosophical thinking. Pediatric nurses are challenged to reflect on how this potential shift in values will affect their personal philosophy and professional practice.