This scenario was adapted from "Clinical Ethics Casebook" by Peter Horn, professor of philosophy at Capital University in Columbus. The situation is hypothetical, yet drawn from real experiences. What would you choose? The choices you make will reflect your personal value systems and ethical standards.

Your baby is born 16 weeks prematurely and is resuscitated immediately upon birth. She then is admitted into the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit.

Given the baby's level of development, apparent age and various diagnostic signs, it appears that she has less than a 5 percent chance of survival. If she does survive, it is highly probable that she will suffer from serious respiratory problems, mental retardation and, quite possibly, blindness.

On the other hand, some infants in this category survive comparatively unaffected.

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

Register your thoughts, and see what others think