The Supreme Court’s decision in overturning Roe v. Wade opens up a can of worms in the area of bioethics. In the 1970s in response to new technology and its application to the dying as well as neonatal care, physicians and bioethicists formulated judgments regarding patient care. These are now being challenged by the Court’s decision.
The principle of “Do no harm,” is a paraphrase of the pledge to care for the patient in the Hippocratic oath. Secondly, doctors must respect the autonomy of the patient. Third, to care for the patient in the best possible manner, and, in some cases, that means that a fetus must be aborted, such as in ectopic pregnancies, for example.
Finally, justice. What does justice have to do in this debate? To be just, we must treat similar cases in a similar way. It also means that we should judge actions by the intended goals as well as its outcomes. Justice also means that everyone should have access to health care, and that clearly is not the case. How we frame the question often determines what our answer will be.
Prayer for the Day
Aware that the world around us is rapidly changing,
We search for answers to perplexing questions;
In another time, answers may have seemed so simple,
But now we seek new ways to address new complexities.
Guide us, O God, through your spirit of Wisdom,
She who always is there in our inquiries.
In the name of the One who always questioned,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Being mortal is about the struggle to cope with the constraints of our biology, with the limits set by genes and cells and flesh and bone.
- Atul Gawande, M.D., Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston
It's very frightening and confusing for physicians and the whole team that cares for patients to know, what can we do, what is OK and what's not OK?
- Lisa Harris, M.D., ob-gyn, Professor University of Michigan
The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding God established the heavens;
By God’s knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew.
My child, do not let these escape from your sight: keep sound wisdom and prudence,
And they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck.
Proverbs 3: 19-22