Rebutting Distortions of How the Sanctity of Life Doctrine Applies to the Periviable

Abstract

In the September article "Should Parents of Neonates with Bleak Prognosis Be Encouraged to Opt for Another Child with Better Odds? On the Notion of Moral Replaceability," (Tännsjö 2018, S552-57), the author contrasts how three different moral philosophies can be applied to medical decision-making for periviable babies. Unfortunately, the sanctity of life doctrine is critically misrepresented. Unlike what is stated in the article, this doctrine is not a framework that unconditionally advises the resuscitation of all extremely premature babies at all costs under any circumstances. Instead, by considering the degree of usefulness and burdensomeness of medical treatments, the sanctity of life doctrine exercises a prudent stewardship over finite resources while simultaneously honoring the inherent dignity in every human being.