The Moral Dilemma of Fetal Reductions - cougarguard.com — unofficial BYU Cougars / LDS sports, football, basketball forum and message board

Requiem · 07-23-2007, 10:38 PM

Sad to read reports of the death of the fifth Morrrison sextuplet: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19919224/

I know their physicians recommended fetal reduction in order to increase the chances of a successful outcome (for the babies and the mother). The Morrison's refused this option citing their strong faith and moral beliefs. These tragic events beg the question of what is morally acceptable in these situations? In the interest of maintaining the viability of the surviving children, I would accept the physicians' recommendations. I am interested in your thoughts...

All-American · 07-24-2007, 12:37 AM

I'm with the church on this one. It's a difficult decision to make, and unless I am the parent involved in such a decision, I'll stay out of it.

If that's what they felt was the right thing to do, no criticism from me.

MikeWaters · 07-24-2007, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by All-American

I'm with the church on this one. It's a difficult decision to make, and unless I am the parent involved in such a decision, I'll stay out of it.

If that's what they felt was the right thing to do, no criticism from me.

are they Mormon? What is the church's policy?

seems like you are already playing with life and death when you decide to use powerful fertility methods (not just clomiphene that ups your chances of having twins).

Science brought life to these babies, and in a way, religion took those lives away. I think you feel guilty either way. Guilty that they died, and guilty if you culled.

Requiem · 07-24-2007, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

are they Mormon? What is the church's policy?

seems like you are already playing with life and death when you decide to use powerful fertility methods (not just clomiphene that ups your chances of having twins).

Science brought life to these babies, and in a way, religion took those lives away. I think you feel guilty either way. Guilty that they died, and guilty if you culled.

Your points about science giving life and religion taking it away are compelling if not ironic. The Morrisons are not LDS. I have no idea re: church policy - would be very interested if one of the mullahs could enlighten us heathen.

All-American · 07-24-2007, 03:37 PM

Church policy is that abortion is permitted in the case of rape, incest, or of threats to life. In those cases, abortion is not prescribed, but permitted, and only to be undertaken after thinking about it long and hard. One may decide to go through with it and carry the child(ren) to full term in spite of the above factors.

In other words: in those cases, the choice is yours, but we're not sticking our noses in THAT one.

I can't imagine how hard a decision it would be either way. Until I end up in that situation, I will defer to the judgment of the parents. And if I do end up in that situation, I imagine I would defer to the mother. Maybe that makes me a coward. I dunno.

07-23-2007, 10:38 PM	#1
Requiem Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 474	The Moral Dilemma of Fetal Reductions Sad to read reports of the death of the fifth Morrrison sextuplet: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19919224/ I know their physicians recommended fetal reduction in order to increase the chances of a successful outcome (for the babies and the mother). The Morrison's refused this option citing their strong faith and moral beliefs. These tragic events beg the question of what is morally acceptable in these situations? In the interest of maintaining the viability of the surviving children, I would accept the physicians' recommendations. I am interested in your thoughts...

07-24-2007, 12:37 AM	#2
All-American Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 3,420	I'm with the church on this one. It's a difficult decision to make, and unless I am the parent involved in such a decision, I'll stay out of it. If that's what they felt was the right thing to do, no criticism from me. __________________ εν αρχη ην ο λογος

07-24-2007, 03:37 PM	#5
All-American Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 3,420	Church policy is that abortion is permitted in the case of rape, incest, or of threats to life. In those cases, abortion is not prescribed, but permitted, and only to be undertaken after thinking about it long and hard. One may decide to go through with it and carry the child(ren) to full term in spite of the above factors. In other words: in those cases, the choice is yours, but we're not sticking our noses in THAT one. I can't imagine how hard a decision it would be either way. Until I end up in that situation, I will defer to the judgment of the parents. And if I do end up in that situation, I imagine I would defer to the mother. Maybe that makes me a coward. I dunno. __________________ εν αρχη ην ο λογος