1. Moral Issue of Birth
Deformities
Mevelle L. Asuncion, RN
College of Nursing
Central Mindanao University

2. Definition
 Defects
 Malformations
 Abnormalities of a child present at
birth

3. 2 kinds
1. Genetic
1. Hereditary,
2. Genetic material is deformed
3. From the carrier of a defective gene
2. Congenital
1. Non-hereditary
2. Genetic or physical damage during the
process of fetal development

4. Causes of Congenital
Deformity
1. Radiation
2. Drugs
3. Chemicals
1. Mercury
4. Nutritional
deficiency/undernourishment
5. Biological disease agent
1. Virus
2. spirochetes

5. Types of Deformities
1. Trisomy 21
2. Spina Bifida Occulta
3. Hydrocephaly
4. Anencephaly
5. Esophageal atresia/duodenal atresia

6. TRISOMY 21
 DOWN’S
SYNDROME
 Mentally retarded
 IQ of 50-80
 Large tongue
 Broad skull
 Upward slant of
eyelids
 Simean crease

7. SPINA BIFIDA OCCULTA
 Opening in the
spine
 Paralysis below the
hips
 No control of bowel
and bladder habits

8. ANENCEPHALY
 Without brain
 Brain is partially
and totally absent
 No hope for
improvement, will
eventually die

9. HYDROCEPHALUS
 Water in the head
 Spinal canal is
blocked, accumula
ion of fluid in
between the
meninges of the
brain
 Surgical shunt is
needed

10. ESOPHAGEAL ATRESIA

11.  Deformed baby can’t decide for
himself/herself
 Doctors who are aware should give all
informations regarding the disease
condition, complications, treatment, an
d possibility of survival

12. APPLICATION OF EHTICAL
THEORIES
 Natural laws
◦ Most terribly malformed baby has the right
to life and must be respected
◦ Against commission or omission
◦ Extraordinary measures can be done if
the family can support
 Kantian principles
◦ Die with dignity
◦ Malformed baby lack rationality

13. APPLICATION OF EHTICAL
THEORIES
 Ross Ethics
◦ Prima facie duty- let the family decide with
the doctor and health team
 Fletcher
◦ Agrees by terminating life of the severely
ill baby and defective fetus
◦ Depends upon situation

14. APPLICATION OF ETHICAL
THEORIES
 Utilitarianism
◦ Greatest good for the greatest number of
people
◦ Justify act of commission of terminating a
fetus or a deformed baby with the
following reasons:
 Personal
 Social

15. APPLICATION OF ETHICAL
THEORIES
 Pragmatism
◦ Usefulness
◦ Practicability
◦ Based upon parents financial resources