the scenario. Many years ago, as a junior nursing student, Mary was assigned to

the scenario.
Many years ago, as a junior nursing student, Mary was assigned to observe the labor and delivery department of a small rural hospital. As frequently occurs in small towns, the nurses and physicians were acquainted with many of the women, they knew their backgrounds, home situations, and so forth. During her second day on the unit, Mary attended the delivery of a set of premature twins. After delivering the tiny babies, the physician walked to a nearby room and placed them on a metal utility table. He turned and said to those in attendance, “Nobody is to touch them. This woman has nine children at home. She doesn’t need any more babies.” Because these babies were very premature, it is unlikely they would have survived in the best of situations. The physician may have correctly believed that the babies were delivered too early to survive. Nevertheless, the nurses struggled with the moral and ethical implications. This example raises many ethical questions and illustrates a case of paternalism and utilitarianism taken to the extreme.
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Jess
First, I am appalled by this scenario and I truly hope this does not really happen in the world. I understand that there are instances when a prognosis could be very bad for a patient or in this case two, however, they should be given a chance at life. More importantly, these babies mother deserves an opportunity to be part of the decisions for her children’s lives. I will be discussing the four arguments against the doctors decision first. As initially stated one of my against arguments is that these babies need to have a chance at life. Secondly, as doctors and nurses we are advocates for our patients, especially those who do not have a voice yet, though the doctor may be very knowledgable, he is not considering this. “The nurse promotes, advocates for, and protects the rights, health, and safety of the patient” (Haddad, 2021). Thirdly, there should be different medical advances tried on the babies, though they may not necessarily benefit them, at least it was tried and could benefit any premature babies of the future. Lastly and most importantly, as medical professional we cannot let personal bias interfere with the care we offer.
For the arguments in favor of the doctors decision one can say that providing medical care to the babies could be costly and the prognosis is not good. Secondly, the doctor could state that the babies would be going through extensive procedures without a need. Thirdly, the procedures that may be unnecessary could be very painful for the babies. Lastly, if the babies were to survive (this is probably what the doctors original thought was) their medical care could be extensive throughout their life, placing a heavy burden on the mother and their siblings life. “At the turn of the twentieth century, a baby born prematurely (before thirty-eight to forty weeks gestation) had dismal prospects for survival “(Pennsylvania , n.d).
Mary, should speak to her immediate supervisor.