Selective treatment of infants with myelomeningocele

Selective treatment of infants with myelomeningocele is said to be beneficial to the infants, their parents, and to society. One group of arguments intended to support this point of view is analyzed. Recent data do not support the factual basis on which these arguments rest; moreover, the moral assumptions that lie behind them should be emphasized. The values held by participants in a discussion of allowing infants to die are as important as facts about treatment options.