Premature Baby Ethical Dilemmas

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Recommended: Review of literature on preterm birth

The “art”, as one doctor put it, of treating a very premature baby is an ethical grey area with no clear moral regulation. Doctors are all too eager to employ modern technology that could potentially save babies lives, but at the cost of prolonged suffering, for the baby and their family, and the risk of severe lifelong disabilities for the child. Parenting is also a selfish endeavor that is uselessly optimistic when confronted with the harrowing facts that the quality of life of their child, if they survive, may greatly diminish. While much is still unknown about the nature of premature births, the facts are published and grim. Around 30,000 babies are born before the third trimester annually in the United States. Half of those babies survive, and of the surviving babies some of them will suffer physical ailments or mental impairment (Frey, 1995). However, many of the “preemie” babies will grow into full-functioning adults, which is why the moral code on this matter is ambiguous and decided case-by-case between doctors and parents. …show more content…

Because there is not much evidence stating how specific procedures affect premature babies doctors must decide what is best for their own practice. For one doctor the use of epinephrine is a fine choice, if the baby is exhibiting signs of life, but for another doctor the use of epinephrine is never justified. The medical team in the article “Does Anyone Here Think This Baby Can Live?” where constantly debating over the use of technology to prolong an uncertain life. Should technology be used just because it exists? Even if it may save a life? The article points out how there is no clear answer to this question, “Was it right to withhold potentially life-saving therapy because two doctors drew an arbitrary line in the sand?” (Fey,

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