the moral issue of birth deformities
TRANSCRIPT
Chapter VIIThe Moral Issue of Birth Deformities
What is Birth
Deformities ?? These are defects,
malformations, or abnormalities of a
child which are present at birth.
The Two Kinds of Deformities
Genetic Deformities - These are hereditary, they are the outcome of the genetic information of the
child.
Congenital Deformities- These are defects or malformations present at birth; they are
nonhereditary.
The Two Kinds of Deformities Generally, there are two kinds of deformities which may be
traceable to the genes or which may develop In utero.
Genetic Deformities
Congenital Deformities
Hereditary
Genetic material is deformed
From the carrier of a defective gene
Non-hereditary
Genetic or physical damage during the
process of fetal development.
The Two Kinds of DeformitiesCongenital Deformities (Causes)
Radiation(X-Ray)
Drugs(thalidomide)
Chemicals(Mercury)
Nutritional Deficiencies(malnutritio
n)
Biological Disease
(spirochete)
Types of Deformities
Trisomy-21 Also known as the “Down Syndrome”
Discovered by John Down, an English Physician in 1866.
Is a genetic disease which result from the presence of extra chromosome in a genetic formation.
The condition is called Trisomy-21 because the affected newborn has a
21th triple rather a pair.
There is no cure in this condition but they can anticipate a long life.
Spina Bifida The newborn with this type of deformity has the
following features: An opening into the spine
A bulging sac resulting from the protrusion of the membrane covering the spinal cord.
Spinal fluid and nerve tissue contained in the swelling protuberance.
No Control on bladder and bowel movements.
Hydrocephaly Means “water in the
head/brain.
It is a defective condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid (water) within the ventricle or between the membrane of the
brain, especially in very young children.
Surgical treatment is required!
Without brain
Brain is partially and totally absent
No hope for improvement, and will eventually die
Anencephaly
Esophageal Artesia This birth deformity refers
to the closing of the esophagus, hence the name;
the muscular tube has no open through which milk or food
may reach the stomach.
Surgery is required to correct the condition.
Duodenal Atresia In this condition, the
duodenum- upper part of the small intestine, is
closed off.
hence, Food cannot pass through and be
digested.
Surgical Operation is highly successful.
Applications of Ethical Theories
The Roman Catholic’s
Stand in this matter, that even the most terribly malfunctioned baby I a
human person, so it’s right to live must be respected and safeguarded.
Against commission or omission
Extraordinary measures can be done if the family can support
Kantian and Ross’ Principle
To die with dignity
Malformed baby lack rationality
Prima facie duty- let the family decide with the doctor and
health team
Joseph Fletcher’s Ethic Principle
Endorses the merciful and painless killing of horribly
deformed baby.
Agrees by terminating life of the severely ill baby and
defective fetus
But, in the end, it depends upon situation
A Utilitarian Greatest good for the greatest number of people
Justify act of commission of terminating a fetus or a deformed baby with the following reasons: Personal
and Social.
Personal- Example, to much for the baby to suffer, and the discomfort it brings to a family
member.
Social- Example, the deformed baby’s being liability rather than an asset to the community.
Pragmatist’s Moral Principle It would indeed depends on the parent’s/ family’s resources and sense of being pragmatic and
practical.
“Ang Dyos ang siyang naggawad kung kaya’t siya rin ang magbibigay lunas”
Pragmatist’s Moral Principle
And lastly, for the pragmatically- minded parents, however, whenever the child’s
deformity is so serous and severe that all medical measures
are unnecessary and useless, except to prolong, it is not exacerbate, the malformed
baby’s suffering and misery, the most realistic and practical
decision to be made is to put it’s life to a speedy and painless end.