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.