Question

A woman undergoing IVF has conceived sextuplets (6 babies). The doctors are recommending selective reduction (killing 3 of the babies in utero) to improve the chances of the other babies’ survival. Resolve the issue using the 7 step decision model.

The Seven-Step Decision Model

I. Determine the facts by asking the following questions: What do we need to know? Who is involved in the situation? Where does the ethical situation take place? When does it occur?

II. Define the precise ethical issue. For example, is it a matter of fairness, justice, morality, or individual rights?

III. Identify the major principles, rules, and values. For example, is this a matter of integrity, quality, respect for others, or profit?

IV. Specify the alternatives. List the major alternative courses of action, including those that represent some form of compromise. This may be a choice between simply doing or not doing something.

V. Compare values and alternatives. Determine if there is one principle or value, or a combination of principles and values, that is so compelling that the proper alternative is clear.

VI. Assess the consequences. Identify short-term, long-term, positive, and negative consequences for the major alternatives. The short-term gain or loss is often overridden when long-term consequences are considered. This step often reveals an unanticipated result of major importance.

VII. Make a decision. The consequences are balanced against one’s primary principles or values. Always double-check your decision.

Answer 1

Based on the information given ,

1.First we will state the problem.Here the woman has concieved but the if three of the fpoteus are killed invitro.she will be able to delver tleast three healthy babies.So the problem is for the sake of birth of healthy babies is it ethical to kill the other three.But multifetal pregnancies are always controversial.

2 There is no information which says that if she delivered the babies there could be any risk.Because there is no scan report to support the decision.The ethical issues surrounding mulifetal pregnancies are always contriversial.Studies suggest that reduction of twins to a singleton improves the outcomes of the remaining fetus.

3 Mybe the doctor feared the risk of not getting any babies born alive.That might have made them suggest such a decision to the women.This can be done by identifying the relevant factors such as the doctors involved,professional standards and applicable laws.

4 Develop an alternative option for the situation and check whether their is another decision or actions availabe.The one thing which needs to be feared is pregnancy losss and the other is premature delivery.

5.Testing the varied options.Analysing and comparing the options .But if selective reduction is chosen there might be chances of killing the wrong baby .On the other hand all the babies can be conserved,since each fetus has its own sac so the risk of complication is much lower.All of the fetus will grow eventually at the sametime as we cannot detemine which has problems ,or which one is healthy.Since multiple pregnancies occur due to IVF treatment so we cannot take away their chances of survival.On the other hand selective reduction result in termination of pregnancy and it willl have a negative impact on the mother.

6.Fiunally making a choice .not going for a selctive reduction

7.Reviewing the above 1-6 strategies and ask whatcould be done to prevent such an occurance of decision -making.