1. Objectifs

Intentions :
« Which newborns that are preterm, very low birth weight or very malformed are so imperilled that medical treatment should not be provided? [The author] advocates that an appropriate attempt to answer this question can only be achieved by first considering the concepts of legal and moral ’personhood’. » (quatrième de couverture)

2. Méthode

Type de traitement des données :
Réflexion critique

3. Résumé

« [In this book, the author] examines the ethical and legal theories that help inform a broad understanding of ’personhood’ within a complex matrix of societal, political, legal and ethical considerations. It is this background that impacts so greatly on the legal and moral status of imperilled neonates. In so doing, he draws upon numerous judicial and legislative examples notably from Canada, Quebec, the United States, and the United Kingdom. [The author] demonstrates how technological progress, political pressures and changing societal values have unsettled previous legal notions, such as ’live birth’ and ’viability’. Ultimately, [the author] demonstrates that the controversial concept of ’moral personhood’ will likely impact on a legal analysis of what constitutes the ’best interests’ of imperilled newborns in medical treatment. Such an impact is itself fraught with controversy. » (quatrième de couverture)