Is it murder to refuse care for premature births?

Question

Consider the cost of hospitalizing a premature baby, and that years before technology it was understood the baby would die.. Are parents obligated to fork the hugh cost because the technology is there for a chance at survival? And is it a crime to not take the technology?

Answer 1

No, it's not a murder. It's not a crime. But it's your obligation. Because before that baby was born, you already knew that that baby will be born. It just happen that that baby was premature during birth.

Answer 2

Obama doesnt think so.  

Answer 3

Parents have the right of refusal of extraordinary measures.

Ingrid

Answer 4

   This is a very gray area.  It depends on how premature the infant is, and what it's potential chance for survival is.  If severely premature or multiple birth defects, then with holding care is not prosecuted as murder.  If mildly premature without a prognosis of any lasting effects from the prematurity, then someone would probably get a bee in  their bonnet and file charges.  

Answer 5

If you were that baby what would think.

Answer 6

I assume you're basically referring to micro-preemies, those born before 27 weeks. It depends mostly on the baby itself and what types of issues they are suffering from. Sometimes it's cruel to give life support, if the preemie is in a really bad situation. The baby will be in immense pain for it's very short life. In cases like that, comfort care is the kindest thing to do.

Other little guys who the doctors didn't think would make it out of the nicu will grow up to make a huge contribution to society. Sometimes the issues a preemie will have, like PVL or a serious IVH (both brain lesions), won't show up for quite awhile. Sometimes even a serious heart defect won't show up until later. It's often very hard to tell at birth which preemie will make it out of the nicu.

I do feel a bit uncomfortable with parents who chose not to try to save their preemie that an experienced neonatologist believes should be saved. Especially when the parents aren't that informed. I have to wonder why. After years of research I think most neonatologists are trustworthy on this issue. (I had plenty of questioning *discussions* with the neonatologists in the nicu, and I don't necessarily trust most doctors.)

Insurance usually pays most of the cost. The cost can be huge, but no more than an elderly person's hospital bills as they are dying or if they had a serious heart attack that they will likely never really recover from. So I'd rather the money go to someone who has a chance for a long life, the baby. (And knowing what I know about how insurance and hospitals work from a legal standpoint, I can tell you that no one should feel bad for using their insurance.)

I know 60 year old 2 lb preemies, so sometimes they made it without the technology we have today. Of course, we aren't talking about earlier than probably about 29 weeks.

There is no crystal ball to see the future of any baby, preemie or fullterm.  

Answer 7

Obomba would throw it in the oven.

Isn't that what he told planned parenthood? the first thing he would do as President is make partial birth abortions legal in all 50 states!!

Answer 8

Yes, it would be murder.  Parents are responsible to see that the life they are created has all the chances in the world to survive.  Technology is there.

Answer 9

No, withdrawl of care isn't murder.