Should the Baby Live?

Should the Baby Live

Should the Baby Live? is a seminal work in the field of bioethics, co-authored by philosophers Helga Kuhse and Peter Singer. First published in 1985, the book addresses the complex ethical issues surrounding infanticide, particularly in cases where the infant is born with severe disabilities or life-limiting conditions. The authors argue from a utilitarian perspective, considering the consequences of allowing such infants to live versus the potential benefits of permitting their death.

Summary

The book delves into the moral dilemmas faced by parents, medical professionals, and society when deciding whether to provide life-sustaining treatment to severely disabled newborns. Kuhse and Singer examine various case studies and philosophical arguments, questioning traditional moral perspectives that place absolute value on human life regardless of the quality of that life. They propose that, in certain cases, the interests of the family and society might justify the decision not to sustain the life of a severely impaired infant.

Ethical Arguments

Kuhse and Singer's arguments are grounded in utilitarian ethics, which suggest that the rightness or wrongness of an action depends on its consequences. They argue that if the life of the infant is likely to be filled with pain and suffering, with little to no potential for enjoyment or fulfillment, it may be more humane to allow the infant to die. This perspective also considers the well-being of the family and the allocation of medical resources, suggesting that in some cases, the resources required to sustain a life of suffering could be better used elsewhere.

Controversy

The publication of Should the Baby Live? sparked significant controversy. Critics, including those from religious and disability rights groups, accused the authors of advocating for eugenics and devaluing the lives of people with disabilities. The debate surrounding the book highlights the tension between the desire to protect vulnerable lives and the need to consider the broader consequences of medical interventions.

Impact

Despite the controversy, Should the Baby Live? has had a profound impact on the field of bioethics, stimulating discussion and debate on the ethics of infanticide, neonatal care, and the rights of individuals with disabilities. It has challenged readers and scholars to reconsider their moral intuitions and the principles that guide decisions at the beginning of life.

See Also

• Bioethics
• Infanticide
• Utilitarianism
• Peter Singer
• Helga Kuhse