Apply the ethical analysis framework to each of the
following case situations.
Case Example 1:
Mary Washington delivers a baby with multiple
congenital defects. The prognosis is poor; the
infant is not expected to live longer than 12
months at most. Mary says, “We can’t afford to
pay for the baby’s care.” Who should determine
the degree of intervention? Should the cost of
care be the foremost basis for the decision?
Case Example 2:
An 80-year-old woman is in a persistent vegetative
state as a result of a cardiovascular accident. She
has always talked about “someday” signing a living will requesting that heroic measures not be
taken. But her family wants “everything to be
done that can be done.” Whose wishes should
prevail? Can her undocumented statements be
legally honored?