"It may be that we need to
reconsider our standard for viability in light of Amillia's case," said Smalling. "Over the years, the technology that we have available to save these premature babies has improved dramatically. Today, we can save babies that would have never survived 10 years ago," he said.
My heart goes out to this child and this family. Their lives are forever changed.
ReplyDeleteJust because we CAN save 21 weekers doesn't mean we should!
I agree with you in theory. Where is the cut-off and who decides? If medical advances can save a baby and the child can have a full life why not? (The problem, of course, is defining a "full" life and deciding who will succeed and who won't.
ReplyDeleteI say this as the mother of a former 24 week old, white boy--the worst demographic for preemie survival. He asleep upstairs. I can't imagine my life without him. Yes, he had surgeries and we didn't know what life held for him. And nine years later, we're still not sure how it will all end up, but I'm glad to have him.
We just spent a few hours at the hospital yesterday with our 30 year old married 21 week pregnant daughter...that was a mouth full. She was having cramps...They've stopped but we were a little concerned yesterday since this is her second pregnancy...she lost the first very soon into the pregnancy. Funny that you posted that yesterday just when i needed it. It's morning now and things are looking much better. c
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