Consider this scenario: 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,is it morally permissible for her to do so?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The doctrine of double effect argues that an action that has both good and bad effects can be morally permissible if the following conditions are met:

1. The action in question is not intrinsically wrong 
2. The intention behind the action is good 
3. The bad effect is not intended but merely foreseen as a possible consequence 
4. The good effect is proportionate to the bad effect

In this scenario, the action of receiving chemotherapy is not intrinsically wrong, as it is a common and accepted medical treatment for cancer. The intention behind the action is also good, as the woman is seeking to save her own life. The bad effect (the death of the fetus) is not intended but merely foreseen as a possible consequence of the chemotherapy. The good effect (the woman's survival) is also proportionate to the bad effect, as it is arguably more valuable than the fetus's life. Therefore, according to the doctrine of double effect, it would be morally permissible for the woman to receive chemotherapy even if it would result in the death of the fetus.

Consider This Scenario: a Pregnant Woman Has Cancer and Will