A pregnant woman has cancer and will die unless she receives chemotherapy to destroy the tumors. If she takes the chemotherapy to destroy the tumors, the fetus will die. According to the doctrine of double effect, it is not morally permissible for her to do so.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The doctrine of double effect states that it is morally permissible to perform an action that has two effects, one good and one bad, if the action itself is good or morally neutral, the good effect is not achieved by means of the bad effect, the intention is to achieve the good effect, and there is a proportionately grave reason for permitting the bad effect. In this case, saving the woman's life can be considered the good effect, and it is not achieved by means of the bad effect (the death of the fetus), but rather as a side effect of the treatment. Therefore, according to the doctrine, it could be morally permissible for her to receive chemotherapy.

A Pregnant Woman Has Cancer and Will Die Unless She