Too Young to Save?

January 10, 2007

A debate is currently underway in the UK regarding the treatment of very premature infants, and MercatorNet has an interview with a fetal pain specialist regarding such treatment.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests that infant euthanasia should be legalized. The Nuffield Council on Bioethics opposes active euthanasia but proposes: a) all babies born before 22 weeks should be given palliative care only — that is, they should be allowed to die; b) babies born between 22 and 23 week should only be given intensive care if the parents request it after thorough discussion of the risks and if the doctors agree; c) for babies born between 24 and 25 weeks parents should have the final say about intensive care. The British Medical Association, however, opposes any rule tied to the number of weeks gestation, saying every case must be judged on its merits.

To get another ethical perspective MercatorNet asked Italian neonatologist Dr Carlo Bellieni, who has a special interest in infantile pain, for his views on the treatment of these babies.