I understand that exact scientific knowledge of the beginning of human life is only recent. How recent? E.L. Saskatchewan
I quote the evidence given by Sir William Liley (the Father of Fetology) in the Borowski Trial, in Regina: “It was in 1930 that the liberation of an ovum from the human ovary was first observed. In 1944 the union of human ovum and sperm was observed under the microscope. In the 1950s the events of the first six days of life were spelled out, and only in the 1960s did, not only the diagnosis but also the treatment of the individual baby in utero become a possibility. That also provided both the technology and the opportunity to invade fetal privacy, to observe the fetus living in its own environment. Also at that time of course was the genetic code cracked.”
The terms ‘ordinary’ and ‘extraordinary’ means of life-saving treatment are being given widely different interpretations in the euthanasia debate. Are there any better terms? L.M. Toronto
It is true that rapid advances in medicine have blurred the distinctions between ‘ordinary’ and ‘extraordinary’ treatments. What was a very extraordinary treatment in a Toronto hospital is still “extraordinary” in many parts of the world with fewer resources and where medical facilities and expertise are less well developed.
Are there any better terms? It is a matter of personal opinion, but the terms ‘proportionate’ and ‘disproportionate’ treatment (which are alternatives suggested in the Declaration on Euthanasia) make more sense to me. These terms indicate that the decision concerning treatment will be made for a particular patient, in specific conditions by balancing the potential benefits and probability of success on the one side, against the risk, availability and costs (both financial and pain) on the other. Thus, with the patient’s consent, a doctor may withhold or withdraw a treatment or technique which “impose on the patient strain or suffering out of proportion with the benefits he or she may gain from such techniques.”
The withdrawal or omission of a medical treatment because it is useless or unduly burdensome on a patient is not euthanasia. However, it cannot be overemphasized that it is an entirely different matter if the intention is to bring about the death of the patient –for that is ‘a crime against life.’ To quote the Declaration once again: “It is necessary to state firmly once more that nothing and no one can in any way permit the killing of an innocent human being, whether a fetus or an embryo, an infant or an adult, or an old person, or one suffering from an incurable disease, or a person who is dying. Furthermore, no one is permitted to ask for this act of killing, either for himself or herself or for another person entrusted to his or her care, nor can he or she consent to it, either explicitly or implicitly.”
We are accused of being ‘fetus-lovers’ and callous about pregnant women. Are there official church statements we can quote to answer this charge? A.L. Chatham, and others
The Vatican Declaration on Abortion stresses that the purpose of human law is to ensure “the needs of the less fortunate are met,” and outlines the programs needed to help pregnant women: “Well thought out, fruitful policies – such as subsidies to families and unwed mothers, help for children, laws protecting children born out of wedlock, and a well-ordered system of adoption – must be promoted so that there will always be a really possible and honorable alternative to abortion.”
Note that the Declaration does not say that these policies could be, or even should be promoted; it goes further and lays down a rule. Such policies “must be promoted” to provide “a really possible and honorable alternative to abortion.”
I understand that the unborn child recognizes the mother’s voice. How soon can he or she hear? M.A. Mississauga
According to experts a child can hear 14 weeks after conception. In his classic Abortion, Questions and Answers, Dr. J. Willke quotes from The Secret life of the Unborn Child, by Verney and Kelly. They say that at four and one half months a pre-born baby will cover his/her ears against loud music. It is known that the pre-born, like adults, react differently to types of music.
