Exam 9: End-Of-Life Measures for Severely Compromised Newborns
Which of the following has been given as a reason for the legalization of neonatal euthanasia in the Netherlands?
B
What reasons do the advocates of neonatal euthanasia (e.g., Verhagen 2013) offer for the legalization of the practice? Are you persuaded that there should be such a legal change?
The advocates of neonatal euthanasia, such as Verhagen (2013), offer several reasons for the legalization of the practice. One reason is the belief that in cases of severe and untreatable suffering, it is more humane to end the infant's life rather than subject them to prolonged pain and discomfort. They argue that in some cases, the suffering of the infant and the emotional toll on the parents may be so severe that euthanasia is the most compassionate option.
Another reason is the idea of respecting the autonomy and dignity of the infant. Advocates argue that if a newborn is born with a severe and incurable condition that will lead to a short and painful life, it is more respectful to allow for a peaceful and dignified death rather than forcing the infant to endure unnecessary suffering.
Additionally, advocates of neonatal euthanasia argue that legalizing the practice would provide clear guidelines and regulations for end-of-life decisions for newborns, ensuring that the process is carried out ethically and with proper medical oversight.
As for whether there should be such a legal change, this is a complex and contentious issue that requires careful consideration of ethical, moral, and practical implications. While the arguments for neonatal euthanasia may be compelling in some cases, there are also concerns about the potential for abuse, the difficulty of accurately predicting an infant's future quality of life, and the potential impact on societal attitudes towards the value of life.
Ultimately, the decision to legalize neonatal euthanasia is a deeply personal and societal one, and it requires thoughtful and informed debate to weigh the potential benefits and risks. It is a decision that should be made with great care and consideration for the well-being of all involved.
According to the Baby Doe rules, in which of the following situations is forgoing life-sustaining treatment justified?
A
Given the killing/letting-die distinction, which of the following end-of-life measures amount to killing and which to letting die?
What does it mean to say that an infant is 'severely compromised'? Why might infants born too soon or too small be in that category?
How might an appeal to quality of life support abortion for fetal defects? Provide an example of one type of birth defect that could support that appeal and one that could not.
When an extremely premature infant with a high probability of severe disability and death is born, what protocols of care do health care professionals follow around the world?
When the parents of a preemie and the medical team cannot agree on what ought to be done, what does court ruling in HCA v Miller suggest? That providers should decide according to
Which of the following end-of-life measures for infants with severe congenital disorders amount to forgoing treatment?
What can be said for and against a possible moral difference between withholding and withdrawing life supports from a compromised newborn? And what about between forgoing life supports and neonatal euthanasia?
Think of an infant you know about or have heard about whose life was of such poor quality that you'd say it wasn't worth having at all. Would you go as far as saying that life itself was an injury to the infant? Or do you rather think that of no human life could that be truly said? Explain your answer.
Which of the following best characterizes a congenital disorder?
In the US, who is the primary medical decisionmaker for a severely compromised neonate when the parents and medical team disagree?
Which end-of-life measure was the Groningen Protocol devised to make lawful when an infant with severe congenital disorders is born?
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